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OP  THE  UTE 

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REV.  JOHN  R.  M'DOWALL, 


THE  MARTYR  OF  THE  SEVENTH  COMMANDMENT, 


IN  THS  NINETEENTH  CENTUKT. 


NEW- YORK : 

POBLISHED    BY    LEAVITT,    LORD,   ft   CO. 

No.  182  Broadway. 
1838. 


Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  m  the  year  1838,  bj  Mrs. 
Phebe  M'Dowall,  in  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of 
the  Southern  District  of  New- York, 


CONTENTS. 

Pa?e 
Preface,  vii 

Chapter    i.— Early    life    or    M'DowAhL.— Account    by    his 

Father,  1 

Chapter  ii. — Youthful  Diary. — Miscellaneous  refleclions— 
Petitions — Reminiscences— Sickness— Conversion — Tri- 
als— Dedication  to  the  ministry — Incipient  labors— Sab- 
bath-schools—Alternate  depression  and  comfort— Revival 
of  religion— Self-renunciation-Dedication  to  martyrdom,      5 

Chapter  hi. — Relinquishment  of  worldly  prospects — Plans  of 
study— Hungerings  and  thirstings  after  righteousness- 
Solemn  covenant  engagements  and  vows — Copy  of  a 
letter,  la 

Chapter  iv.— Precautions  against  error— Against  impetuosity 
and  indiscretion— Chastisements— Disappointments— Re- 
signation— Claims  of  the  heathen — Response  to  the  call- 
Departure  from  his  father's  house— Commencement  of  his 
studies  at  Amherst— Resolutions  and  prayers,  19 

Chapter  v. — Exercises  of  his  mtnd  at  Amherst. — Joy  in  God 
—Temptations— Coldness— Slow  Progress — Self-abase- 
ment—Sanctuary and  social  privileges— The  heathen — 
The  Jews— Longing  desires  for  their  conversion— Anxiety 
to  visit  Jerusalem,  and  labor  in  Palestine— He  unites  with 
the  church  in  Amherst — Pecuniary  destitution — Spiritual 
distresses— Instruction  of  children,  25 

Chapter  vi.— Entrance  at  College— New  dangers  and  new 
resolutions — Prayers  for  his  father— for  his  mother — for 
his  sister  and  brothers— For  the  church— Sore  temptations 
—Solicitude  to  understand  the  Bible— Conscientiousness 
—New-Year's  meditations— Excessive  study— Excursion 
— Revivals — Sickness — Recovery — Destitution — Relief— 
A  precious  season — Thoughts  of  home  and  kindred — 
Close  of  the  term— Self-examination— Commencement- 
Prayer  for  a  revival  in  college — Labors  in  South  Hadley, 
Granby,  and  South-Hampton— Exhortation  to  professors- 
Preparations  to  enter  another  institution,  26 

Chapter  vn. — Funeral — Conversation  with  a  colored  man — 
Thoughts  on  prayer— Colleges— Sunday  School— Poor 
health— Depravity  of  man— Visits  among  the  unconvert- 
ed— Opposition — Objections  refuted — Determination  to 
go  forward,  45 

Chapter  viii.— Trouble— Thoughts  of  home— Death  of  Mr. 
Fisk— Calumny— Reflections— Vacation— Fast  in  Kin- 
derhook,  52 


If  CONTENTS. 

Fag9 

Chapter  rx. — Relnrn  to  coll;*ge — Praver-meetings — Conver- 
sion of  a  young  man — Slander — Officers  in  college,  5B 

Chapter  x. — Visits  among  sinners — Success — Opposition — 
Cruelly  to  animals — Doubts — Kindness  of  parents — Des- 
pondency— Visit  to  Ballstown,  and  his  parents,  61 

Chapter  xi. — Thoughts  on  the  revival — Trials — Concerning 
leaving  the  Dutch  church — Deep  sense  of  sin — Letters — 
Ministerial  qualifications,  68 

Chapter  xh. — Letter  from  Mr.  Crane — Labors  in  College — 
Persecutions — Prayer  Meeting — Fainting — Kindness — 
Letter  from  J.  C.  Bearaan,  Ohio— Labars  in  the  vicinity 
of  College — Journey  to  Canada — Faithfulness  and  piety,       bO 

Chapter  xm. — Letter  from  Mr.  Richmond — Letter  from  Mr. 
Hallock — Doings  of  the  Board  at  Providence — Mr. 
M'Dowall's  labors — Extracts  from  his  Journal — Testimo- 
nialsof  his  friends — Labors  in  different  parts — 111  health — 
Influence  and  energy  of  ladies — Letter  to  Mr.  Hallock — 
Extracts  from  the  Report  of  the  Rhode  Island  Sunday- 
school  Union,  86 

Chapter  xiv. — Return  to  Princeton — Reflections  on  various 
subjects — Reading  Sermons — African  School — Joining 
Princeton  Presbytery — Appetite — Visits  in  African  fami- 
lies— 'On  inducing  people  to  read  the  Bible  through — Plea- 
sant interview — Inquiries  to  know  duty  respecting  future 
labors — Left  Princeton  for  New- York — Visit  Five  Points 
— Horrid  scene  and  depravity  exposed — Appeal  to  Ladies 
— An  African's  excuse  not  to  attend  meeting — Called  to 
seeacorp.se — Preached  Christ — ^John  Stratford — Labors 
continued — Sailors — Lotteries,  97 

Chapter  xv. — Groceries — Gambling — Reflections  on  lust — 
On  the  wages  of  sin — Cruelly  of  the  keepers  of  houses  of 
infamy — Manner  of  leading  females  to  the  Five  Points — 
Progress  of  the  school — DilTiculties  in  the  way  of  females 
who  wish  to  lenve  the  abodes  of  sin — Indifference  in  the 
city  to  the  cause  of  reform — Faithfulness  in  preaching — 
Females  taken  to  the  Refuge — Character  of  the  seducer,     109 

Chapter  xvi. — Papacy  and  Paganism — Search  the  Scriptures 
— Visit  to  the  Refuge — Story  of  a  poor  girl — A  word  to 
parents — Evening  at  the  Tract  House — Leaving  the 
School — A  short  summary  of  his  doings — Conversation 
•with  a  wicked  woman — Close  preaching — Visit  with  Mr. 
Wheelwright  among  the  abandoned — Talk  to  a  young 
man,  112> 

Chapter  xvn.— Visit  to  the  Hook — Visit  in  Anthony-street — 
Card-playing — An  infidel — School  opened  at  the  Dispen- 
sary— Testimony  of  Mahala  Lake— Story  of  a  merchant 
— Sabbath-school  removed — Talk  to  a  young  man — Visit 
to  Princeton — ^Journey  to   Philadelphia—Magdalen  So- 


CONTENTS.  V 

-M  rage 

ciety— Conversation  on  infidelity— Leaves  Philadelphia- 
Conversation  in  the  stage— Goes  to  New-York — Five 
Points— A  man  in  soft  raiment — Visit  to  Penitentiary— To 
Tammany  Hall,  131 

Chapter  xvm— Visit  to  the  Five  Points— A  young  girl — 
Visit  at  the  Alms  House — School  at  the  Penitentiary- 
Case  of  two  females — His  own  division — French  Revolu- 
tion—Story of  a  young  man— Weekly  report  to  the  Execu- 
tive Committee— Female  Penitentiary— Ancient  poets- 
Visit  to  the  Asylum — Description  of  vile  houses — Meet- 
ing of  the  Board  of  the  Benevolent  Society- Vile  houses 
in  and  about  the  Five  Points — Number  of  vile  men  and 
women,  143 

Chapter  xtx.— Weariness— Walk  in  Broadway— Interview 
with  two  girls— Advice  and  kindness— Persuaded  them 
to  go  home — The  next  day  called  on  them  and  learned 
their  situation— Visit  to  the  Asylum — Trouble  among 
them  amicably  settled— Meeting 'in  the  Penitentiary- 
Visit  at  Anthony  and  Chatham-streets— Meeting  at  the 
Five  Points— Reflections — Farther  visits— Visit  to  twelve 
wards  in  the  Alms  House,  155 

Chapter  xx. — Visit  to  Bellevue — Affecting  incident— Testi- 
mony of  A.  P.— Penitentiary  accommodations— Story  of 
a  young  girl. — The  aged  mother — Description  of  houses 
of  ill-fame— City  thieves— Kemarks,  1G3 

Chapter  xxi. — Story  of  a  merchant — Dress  of  christian  fe- 
males— License — Discouragements — Testimony  of  a  phy- 
sician— Marriage — Magdalen  Facts — State  of  suspense — 
Meeting  of  ministers— Discouragements — Manner  of  be- 
ing found  in  a  garret — Removal  from  the  place,  177 

Chapter  xxii. — Letter — Cholera — Devising  ways  to  bring  his 
cause  before  the  public — Lectures — Discouragements — 
Efforts  made — Wm.  Goodell's  appeal — Supplies  sent  in,       194 

Chapter  xxiii. — Commences  his  journey — Benevolent  Society 
— Encouragements  and  difliculties — Moral  Reform  meet- 
ing— Malice  and  threats — All  at  stake — New  troubles 
— Strange  things — Nameless  facts — Sickness  of  Mrs. 
M'Dowall — Luxury  and  style,  204 

Chapter  xxiv.-^Grand  Jury — Moral  Reform — General  Ref- 
uge on  the  banks  of  the  Hudson — Stranger's  home — New- 
York  election — New-York  Observer — Obscene  prints,        213 

Chapter  xxv. — Third  Presbytery — Kindness — Mobs — Letter 
to  Oneida  Institute — Leaves  the  house  in  Mott-street — 
Address  to  the  ladies  of  Moral  Reform  Society,  227 

Chapter  xxvi. — Visit  to  New-Haven  and  Litchfield — His  for- 
tune— Amalgamation  and  purity — Sail  up  the  Hudson — 
Obscene  pictures — Journal  in  Troy,  249 


VI  CONTENTS. 

Page 
Chapter  xxvn. — Address  to  the  ladies  of  the  Troy  Female 
Moral    Reform    Society — Visit  to  Connecticut  for  the 
Seventh  Commandment  Society — Scene  at  a  tavern,  266 

Chapter  xxviii. — New-Milford — Journal  at  Connecticut — Re- 
turn to  New-York — ^Journey  to  the  West — Journal  while 
on  the  Canal — Rochester— Doings  there,  280 

Chapter  xxix. — Journal  continued  while  onward  to  the  West 
— -Return  to  New-York — Preparing  his  Defence — Brought 
before  the  Presbytery,  295 

Chapter  xxx. — The  result  and  appeal,  306 

Chapter  xxxi. — Difficulty  of  obtaining  a  copy  of  the  doings 
of  Presbytery — Sympathies  of  friends — Meeting,  and  re- 
sult of  Synod,  338 

Chapter  xxxn. — Labors  and  writings — Sickness  and  death — 

Testimony  of  Dr.  Brown — His  character,  348 

Appendix, 

Letter  from  Rev,  Theodore  Wright,  390 

Letter  from  J W ,  395 

Letter  from  C ,  400 

Sketches  of  Rev.  John  R.  M'Dowall,  by  Wm.G  oodell,  410 


PREFACE 


A  celebrated  Universalist  clergyman  was  once  asked  hovf 
he  could  embrace  such  a  dangerous  doctrine  ?  His  answer 
was,  "I  am  no  more  a  Universalist  than  all  the  world  ;  every 
body ^s  f /lends  go  to  heaven:  if  so,  all  mankind  must  be 
saved." 

How  many  biographies  have  been  written  which  do  not 
savor  strongly  of  this  principle?  It  is  well  if  even  the  criminal 
who  is  executed  for  piracy  upon  the  high  seas,  does  not  leave 
behind  some  kind-hearted  philanthropist,  who,  in  telling  his 
wondrous  siory,  makes  him  not  only  the  noble  hero,  but  the 
g-ood  christian  pirate. 

Then,  to  be  an  acquaintance,  a  friend  of  M'Dowall,  and  his 
impartial  biographer,  requires,  if  not  the  inspiration  of  a  St. 
Luke,  at  least  an  eye  single  to  the  glory  of  God.  To  delineate 
the  most  prominent  features  in  his  character,  some  of  his 
persecutions  must  be  told  :  this  must  rebul^e  hia  persecu- 
tors ;  and  to  be  just  without  acrimony,  merciful  without  par- 
tiality, and  show  the  world  M'Dowall  himself,  "who  is  suf- 
ficient for  these  things?"  To  say  M'Dowall  was  a  good  man, 
in  the  common  acceptation  of  the  word,  is  not  enough ;  to 
say  he  was  an  infallible  man,  would  not  be  right ;  but  to  say 
he  was  the  man  above  all  others,  who  suffered  daily  martyr- 
dom to  elevate  the  standard  of  moral  purity  to  its  present 
height,  is  saying  what  truth  and  justice  require  should  be 
said. 

There  have  been  difficulties  in  compiling  this  work  which 
seldom  occur  in  any  other.  The  reader  must  be  conscious 
that  the  name  of  M'Dowall  has  long  been  odious  to  the  ears 
of  modern  refinement,  and  to  such  deserves  no  better  eulogy 
than  a  misiruided  philanthropist,  who, 

"  Meteor  like,  flew  loveless  through  the  sky," 

making  his  way  to  pre-eminence  only  by  the  novelty  of  his 
route. 

Another  class  gravely  tell  you  that  they  believe  he  was  an 
intrigueing,  dishonest  man,^  goaded  on  by  the  love  of  money 
and  fame  ;  but  being  defeated  in  both,  poured  a  tirade  of  abuse 
upon  his  more  discerning  antagonists,  and  then  broke  the 
hearts  of  weak-minded  msn  and  silly  women  by  a  pitiful  whin- 
ing of  persecution,  wholly  unparalleled  in  modern  times. 
This  latter  class  say,  give  us  the  man — his  apostolic  zeal — his 
persecutions  and  martyrdom,  sparing  neither  root  nor  branch. 
Now  it  must  be  evident  that  these  antipodes  see  throug-h  dif- 
ferent glasses,  and  if  the  vision  of  one  be  clear,  the  other 
must  be  jaundiced  ;  and  who  can  compile  a  work  to  suit  the 
optics  of  both  ? 

Another  formidable  difficulty  has  been,  to  make  the  best 


Vll  PREFACE. 

selection  from  such  a  mass  of  papers  promiscuously  thrown 
together,  as  were  his,  the  last  four  years  of  his  hfe.  His  regu- 
lar journal,  till  then,  was  kept  with  accuracy,  and  shows  he 
was  not  deficient  in  system  ;  but  when  his  "  fiery  trials"  com- 
menced, he  wrote  as  he  could  in  the  hurry  of  the  moment ; 
and  though  he  was  careful  to  preserve  every  item,  yet  many 
of  these  items  were  in  detached  parts,  incoherently  written, 
and  the  dates  quite  imperfect.  Should  the  reader  find  errors 
in  dates,  let  this  be  the  apology. 

As  to  the  facts  themselves,  Ihey  have  been  gathered  from 
his  own  private  writings,  from  his  printed  Journal,  from  the 
testimony  of  Mrs.  M'Dowall,  and  many  from  personal  ac- 
quaintance of  the  compiler  with  M'Dowall  himself. 

This  volume  contains  but  a  preface  to  his  writings  and 
labors.  The  beginning  of  his  christian  career  may  have 
something  of  the  sameness  of  others  in  like  circumstances; 
but  when  he  entered  fully  into  the  field,  you  see  M'Dowall 
himself,  till  lost  in  the  ocean  of  eternity. 

Should  the  eye  of  any  young  disciple  lighten  these  pages, 
whose  enthusiastic  heart  is  panting  to  put  on  the  armour 
M'Dowall  has  put  off,  he  will  do  well  to  remember  there  are 
lions  in  the  way, — he  will  do  w'ell  to  ask,  if  single-handed 
and  alone,  without  "  purse  or  scrip,"  he  dare  meet  the  formid- 
able foes  that  lurk  in  every  path.  Let  hitn  then  sit  down  first 
and  count  the  cost,  lest  he  begin  to  build  and  be  not  able  to 
finish. 

Let  the  doting  mother,  as  she  reads  these  pages,  while  her 
laughing  ones  are  sporting  about  her  in  all  the  innocence  of 
uncontaminated  purity,  bless  God  that  M'Dowall  lived,  and 
while  he  lived  placed  way-marks  at  every  dangerous  step, 
that  she  may  guard  and  guide  them  till,  wisely  trained  in  the 
way  they  should  go,  and  when  older,  they  will  never  depart 
from  it. 

Let  the  self-secure,  when  she  boasts  of  her  own  conscious 
strength,  look  among  the  spoils  of  her  lost  sex,  and  there  she 
may  find  many  a  tarnished  gem,  who  once,  like  her,  asked 
no  M'Dowall  to  warn  against  the  syren  song  of  flattery,  or 
the  unseen  whirlpool  where  many  an  innocent  victim  has 
been  swallowed  and  lost  for  ever. 

It  is  not,  it  cannot  be  supposed  that  the  expectations  of  all 
will  be  realized  who  read  these  pages.  To  some  the  picture 
will  be  too  vividly,  to  others  too  faintly  drawn.  To  all  the 
compiler  would  say,  the  object  of  the  writer  was  not  solely  to 
"get  up  a  book"  that  should  please,  but,  if  possible,  to  do 
good  to  such  as  are  seeking  lor  truth,  and  know  how  to 
appreciate  it  when  obtained. 

That  such  may  be  blessed  and  profited,  is  the  sincere  wish  of 

THE  COMPILER. 

New  York,  January  [>lh,  1833. 


M  SS  M  <&2  ^ci 


CHAPTER   I. 


EARLY  LIFE  OF  RET.  J.  R.  m'dOWALL,  BY  HIS  FATHER. 

The  Following  is  furnished  by  the  venerable  father  of  the  deceased, 
who  has  been  a  minister  of  the  Gospel,  in  Canada,  for  about  fortj 
years. 

John  R.  M'Dowall  was  born  in  Fredericksburgh, 
county  of  Lenox,  Midland  District,  Upper  Canada,  the  20th 
of  September,  1801.  He  came  into  the  world  a  child  of  sor- 
row. His  deep  moaning  during  the  first  twenty-four  hours 
of  his  life  was  considered  an  indication  of  his  speedy  disso- 
lution ;*  but  He  who  destined  him  to  the  great  work  of  pro- 
moting moral  purity,  raised  him  up  from  his  low  state,  and 
favored  him,  with  the  exception  of  occasional  attacks  of  se- 
vere headache,  with  good  health.  His  mind  was  lively 
and  often  deeply  impressed  with  the  awful  realities  of  eter- 
nity. The  worship  of  God  was  with  him  a  delightful  em- 
ployment. I  will  state  one  example  of  this.  He  went  of 
his  own  accord  in  the  month  of  April,  1816,  then  in  the 
15th  year  of  his  age,  with  his  father  and  a  gentleman,  a 
near  neighbor,  six  miles  on  foot  to  meeting.    When  he 

*  This  might  seem  too  trivial  to  notice,  ai  it  is  what  often  occurf 
with  children,  but  it  made  such  animpressiun  on  the  minds  of  all  who 
saw  him  at  that  time,  that  it  ha«  often  been  mentioned  before  and 
since  his  peculiar  sufieriDgs  in  the  last  years  of  his  life. 
1 


2  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

relurned  home,  the  road  being  bad,  he  was  miicli  fatigued 
and  pale.  His  mother  inquired  what  ailed  him  ;  he  re- 
plied that  his  thigh  was  sore  by  means  of  leaping  over  a 
small  stream  of  water  or  going  over  a  fence :  "but  father 
preached  such  a  good  sermon  to-day,  that  I  am  well  paid 
for  my  trouble."' 

That  pain  was  just  above  his  right  knee,  ulcered,  af- 
fected the  thigh-bone,  of  which  a  considerable  part  exfoli- 
ated, brought  him  near  the  grave,  and  greatly  impaired 
his  physical  powers  during  his  life.  This  affliction, 
through  the  sanctifying  influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit, 
brought  him  to  deeper  consideration  and  nearness  to  God. 
In  his  distress  he  covenanted  with  God,  that  if  he  spared 
his  life  he  would  live  more  devoted  to  his  service.  Soon 
after  his  recovery  he  commenced  his  academical  studies, 
and  afterwards  spent  about  a  year  and  a  half  with  an  un- 
cle, by  his  mother's  side,  at  York,  (now  Toronto,)  in  the 
study  of  law.  Thence  he  wrote  his  father  he  was  not  vo- 
latile, but  he  could  not  conscientiously  pursue  the  profes- 
sion of  law,  and  that  he  had  consecrated  himself  to  God 
wholly,  and  could  not  perform  his  vow,  unless  he  brought 
his  whole  powers  to  bear  on  the  enlargement  of  Christ's 
kingdom.  He  was  asked  in  reply  if  he  did  not  think,  from 
the  prospects  before  him,  that  he  might  exert  such  influ- 
ence on  others  as  to  induce  them  to  do  as  much  or  more, 
to  forward  the  prosperity  of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom,  than 
he  could  by  his  own  personal  ministry.  He  answered  that 
he  had  not  covenanted  to  serve  God  by  proxy,  but  to  serve 
him  in  his  own  person. 

After  he  had  quit  his  studies  and  returned  home,  a  gen- 
tleman bred  to  the  law,  and  holding  different  offlces  under 
government,  asked  him  if  he  did  not  think  he  had  done 
wrong  in  giving  up  his  intention  to  study  law,  as  few 
young  men  in  the  Province  had  such  favorable  opportuni- 
tics  of  rising  to  eminence  as  he  had.  He  answered  hiin 
by  presenting  him  a  book,  and  saying, 


REV.    JOHN    R.    M  DOWALL.  3 

"Mr.  Thompson,  here  was  my  choice  when  I  left  York." 
and  showed  him  a  hymn  something-  like  the  following 
lines: 

"  Ye  glittering  toys  of  earth,  adieu  ! 

"  A  nobler  choice  be  mine ; 
"  A  real  prize  attracts  my  view, 

"  A  treasure  all  divine." 

Conversing  with  his  mother  one  day  after  his  return 
from  York,  respecting  the  worldly  prospects  that  were 
before  him,  he  raised  his  hands  and  said, 

"  Mother,  when  I  got  on  board  the  vessel  to  leave  York, 
I  looked  back,  and  then  I  left  the  world," 

Daring  his  stay  at  home  he  manifested  great  anxiety 
about  the  rising  generation  ;  travelled  both  alone  and  in 
company  with  me  to  organize  Sabbath  schools  in  different 
places,  and  exerted  himself  to  imbue  the  young  mind  in 
his  own  neighborhood  with  a  deep  sense  of  the  Gospel  of 
peace  and  the  awful  realities  of  eternity. 

The  general  apathy  to  religion  in  the  neighborhood, 
and  the  coldness  and  conformity  to  the  world  in  the  few 
professors  of  religion,  awakened  his  sympathies  for  them. 
He  used  his  influence  to  persuade  them  to  build  a  house 
for  the  w^orship  of  God.  He  also  spent  some  time  in  mak- 
ing collections  for  that  purpose. 

After  his  departure  for  College  all  prospect  of  building 
a  house  died  away,  till  after  the  lapse  of  ten  or  twelve 
years,  when  the  prospect  was  revived  by  a  few  who  made 
no  pretensions  to  holy  living;  and  the  work  was  completed. 

After  the  commencement  of  his  labors  in  New- York,  he 
wrote  me  that  his  funds  were  exhausted  by  laboring  to 
check  the  source  of  the  most  complicated  degradation  and 
misery,  and  was  not  sustained  by  the  christian  public,  and 
wished  my  advice  whether  he  ought  to  persevere  in  his 
exertions,  or  give  up  his  endeavors  as  hopeless.  This  was 
a  difficuh  question  for  me  to  decide  at  such  a  distance  :  I 


4  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

could  therefore  only  say,  that  if  he  were  not  sustained  he 
must  abandon  his  field  of  labor ;  but  if  God  had  raised  him 
up  as  an  instrument  to  promote  such  a  reformation  as  he 
wished,  he  would  provide  for  him. 

As  all  who  live  godly  in  Christ  Jesus  shall  suffer  per- 
secution, I  do  not  wonder  that  my  son  died  a  martyr.  For 
though  I  never  wrote  a  word  on  moral  reform  for  any  pa- 
per, 1  have  on  account  of  it  suffered  great  persecution  by 
nominal  professors,  who  have  gone  from  house  to  house 
to  stir  up  hatred,  strife,  and  opposition  against  me ;  and 
these  persecutors  were  encouraged  and  aided  by  a  pro- 
fessed minister  of  the  Prince  of  Peace.  What  will  not 
professors  and  ministers  do,  who  are  seeking  popularity, 
and  are  unwilling  to  be  reclaimed  from  their  evil  ways  !  ! 

As  Jesus  Christ,  by  dying,  destroyed  him  who  had  the 
power  of  death,  and  as  Samson  destroyed  more  Philis- 
tines in  his  death  than  he  slew  during  his  whole  life,  even 
so  God,  who  overrules  all  things  for  the  good  of  those  that 
love  him,  and  are  the  "  called  according  to  his  purpose," 
may  have  determined  the  martyrdom  of  my  dear  son, 
whose  exit  out  of  this  world  was  gloriously  triumphant, 
to  have  a  powerful  influence  to  forward  the  great  work  on 
which  his  heart  was  set. 

Indeed,  it  was  long  ago  thought  that  the  blood  of  mar- 
tyrs was  the  seed  of  the  church. 

Robert  M'Dowall. 


REV.    JOHN    R.    M  DOWALL.  6/1; 

CHAPTER  II. 

YOUTHFUL     DIARY. 

B^ificelkncous  reflections — Petilicns — Reminiscences — Sickness-— 
Conversion — tiials — Dedication  to  the  ministry — Incipient  labors 
— Sabbath-schools — Alternate  dopression  and  comfort — Revival 
of  religion— -Self-renunciation — Dedication  to  Martyrdom. 

Hamilton,  Aug-.  14,  1821. 

Sabbath  niorrdng,  1821. — How  delightful  to  rise  in  the 
morning  and  take  the  refreshing  air,  the  gift  of  heaven  ; 
and  how  much  so  to  the  christian,  who  is  once  more  per- 
mitted by  his  heavenly  Creator  to  raise  devout  adorations 
from  his  bended  knee,  and  to  visit  the  temple  of  Jehovah, 
and  offer  up  his  "  sacrifice  of  a  broken  heart,"  which,  to 
the  Almighty,  if  truly  and  unfeignedly  performed,  is  more 
ucceptable  than  the  "  fat  of  rams,  or  the  blood  of  bullocks." 
Lord,  may  I  keep  this  day  holy  to  thee,  by  walking  in  the 
path  which  is  so  clearly  marked  out  in  the  Gospel !  May  I 
not  follow  after  sin,  or  be  led  away  by  my  fellow-students, 
and  may  I  strive  to  avoid  their  levit3^  May  I  now  read  a 
chapter  in  the  New  Testament  and  bow  the  knee  before 
thy  footstool,  and  render  praise  to  thee  for  not  making  my 
bed  my  grave ;  to  pray  for  distant  friends  and  the  pros- 
perity of  the  church,  and  thy  missionary  servants.  Bri- 
dle my  tongue. 

\oth.  10  d clock,  eve7iing.—hord,  how  grateful  ought  I 
to  be,  for  mercies  received  through  the  day,  from  so  benefi- 
cent a  Being  as  thou  art !  Thy  very  name  ought  to  strike 
me  with  reverential  awe,  and  make  my  heart  glow  with 
the  warmest  gratitude.  And  now,  merciful  Father,  may 
I,  after  reading  a  portion  of  thy  word,  and  committing  my- 
self to  thy  charge  during  the  night,  lie  down  in  peace  be- 
neath the  shadow  of  thy  wings ! 

September  8,  1821. — When  I  think  that  twenty  years  of 
1* 


6  MEMOIR    OF    TKK 

my  life  have  been  spent  in  sinful  employments,  I  am 
ready  to  cry  out,  "  How  astonishing  is  the  goodness  of  Je- 
hovah in  sparing  me,  a  v^rretch  as  1  am !"  Since  thou  hast 
spared  me  so  long,  endure  with  me  unto  the  end.  Abra- 
ham, the  father  of  the  faithful,  said,  "  Let  not  my  Lord  be 
angry,  and  I  will  speak  but  this  once."  O  preserve  thy 
holy  religion  among  us — bless  our  missionary  societies — 
bless  all  in  authority  over  us  ;  may  they  rule  with  the  rod 
of  righteousness  !  Bring  in  the  gentiles  in  the  fullness  of 
time. 

Sabbath  morning. — How  thankful,  O  God,  should  a  sin- 
ful mortal  be,  for  seeing  the  light  of  another  Sabbath  ? 
May  I  go  to  thy  sanctuary  this  day,  and  »pend  the  Sabbath 
as  becomes  a  true  follower  of  Jesus  I  And  wilt  thou  con- 
vict idle  and  profane  persons  who  wander  and  stroll 
through  the  streets,  profaning  thy  holy  day  not  only  by 
their  own  neglect,  but  by  drawing  the  attention  of  others, 
and  enticing  youth  to  follow  their  diabolical  practices? 
There  is  another  evil  we  pray  thee  to  check,  viz.  that  of 
Sabbath  parties.  Keep  me  from  these  ungodly  practices  \ 

December,  1821.  My  spirits  are  languid,  and  I  feel  a 
general  coolness  towards  things  of  a  divine  nature.  It 
causes  me  often  to  think  of  the  Laodicean  church,  and  take 
the  application  to  myself  of  the  curse  denounced  against 
her  ;  "  I  know  thy  works,  that  thou  art  neither  cold  nor 
hot,"  &c.  O  may  I  buy  gold  of  thee,  that  hast  been  tried 
in  the  fire,  and  "  white  raiment,  that  I  may  be  clothed  I" 

Fredbrsckskurgb,  Midland  District. 
Jan.  1,  1822. — This  day,  one  year  ago,  I  was  pursuing  a 
path  which  a  proud  heart  did  dictate.  Forensic  diction,  crafty 
pleas,  dubious  issues,  demurrers,  with  a  catalogue  of  plead- 
ings, conveyances,  &c.  too  numerous  to  be  recorded  on  this 
small  sheet.  This  wrapt  me  up  in  the  things  of  this  world, 
and  the  prince  of  the  air  bade  me  be  still.  So  did  I  slumber 
on,  till  God  in  his  infinite  wisdom  brought  me  near  to  the 

I 


REV.    JOHN 

gales  of  deaih.  Then  did  1  plainly  see  that  the  God  of 
heaven  was  not  to  he  trifled  with.  I  sought  for  the  light 
of  his  life-giving  countenance,  and  nightly  did  I  cry  unto 
my  God.  In  the  shades  of  the  darkest  night  did  I  rise 
up  and  water  my  couch  with  my  tears.  Despair  at  last 
laid  hold  on  me,  and  solitude  became  my  friend.  My  pri- 
vate walks  and  lonely  bed-chamber  heard  my  complaints. 
Fast  did  my  spirits  flag  and  body  decay,  and  death  stared 
me  in  the  face,  melancholy,  pensive  guest,  bound  my  fee- 
ble frame,  and  caused  it  to  decay. 

All  cheerful  company  was  carefully  avoided,  and  inno- 
cent amusements  denied.  Perpetual  gloom  hung  on  my 
countenance,  the  fairest  prospects  vanished,  dismal  appear- 
ances did  every  thing  assume,  and  those  which  should 
have  given  delight,  afforded  nothing  but  disgust.  Such 
an  unhappy  creature,  that  life  itself  became  a  burden,  and 
hurried  on  by  Despair,  its  consequent  attendant,  Satan 
would  have  caused  me  to  lay  violent  hands  on  myself  had 
not  my  Redeemer  showed  his  face. 

But  still  I  was  greatly  distressed  both  in  body  and 
mind.  There  were  vestiges  of  the  dismal  disease  yet 
larking  in  my  system ;  to  surmount  which  I  sought 
the  company  of  those  who,  by  their  declarations,  knew  and 
felt  the  powerful  influences  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  as  well  as 
those  who  proved  it  by  their  walk.  Circumstances  allow- 
ed me  not  to  stay  long  in  their  company ;  but  by  persever- 
ing in  this  course,  taking  frequent  exercise,  on  horseback 
and  foot,  through  the  most  pleasant  parts  of  the  adjacent 
country,  my  health  was  slowly  recovering,  when  it  again 
pleased  my  heavenly  Father  to  give  me  one  more  trial. 

Long  before  this  time  the  symptoms  of  a  slow  and  lin- 
gering consumption  appeared ;  but  now  it  renewed  its  at- 
tack with  redoubled  vigor,  and  being  accompanied  by  a 
slight  touch  of  the  pleurisy,  my  strength  rapidly  decayed — 
my  hopes  of  life  vanished.  But,  O  blessed  be  my  Redeem- 
er !  the  hope  of  life  beyond  the  grave  was  enkindled  in 


e  MltMOIR    OF    THE 

my  bosom  ;  an  ardent  flame,  a  lively  faith,  ami  fervent  hope 
buoyed  me  up  under  this  affliction.  It  was  sanctified  to 
my  good,  and  now  do  I  rejoice  in  the  fruits  thereof.  But 
in  a  few  days  it  pleased  my  Redeemer  to  stay  his  heavy 
hand,  and  restore  me  to  my  usual  health.  Then  this  passage 
proved  a  balm  to  my  wounded  soul.  "  ilnd  one  of  the  eiders 
answered,  saying  unto  me,  What  are  these  that  are  array- 
ed in  white  robes'?  and  whence  came  they?  And  I  said 
unto  him,  Sir,  thou  knowest.  And  he  said  unto  me,  These  are 
they  which  came  out  of  great  tribulation,  and  have  washed 
their  robes,  and  made  them  white  in  the  blood  of  the  Lamb. 
Therefore  are  they  before  the  throne  of  God,  and  serve  him 
day  and  night  in  his  temple :  and  he  that  sitteth  on  the 
throne  shall  dwell  among  them.  They  shall  hunger  no 
more,  neither  thirst  any  more  ;  neither  shall  the  sun  light 
on  them,  nor  any  heat.  For  the  Lamb,  which  is  in  the  midst 
of  the  throne,  shall  feed  them,  and  shall  lead  them  unto 
living  fountains  of  waters :  and  God  shall  wipe  away  all 
tears  from  their  eyes." 

O  thou  Almighty  and  eternal  first  principle,  thou  divine 
Architect,  who  sittest  in  light  and  glory  inaccessible— and 
ihou  our  King,  Priest,  and  everlasting  Redeemer,  who 
didst  assume  our  nature,  in  whom  dwelleth  love  everlasting 
and  ineffable,  and  thou  divine  Spirit,  enable  me  to  live  unto 
Christ,  to  die  unto  sin,  to  conform  my  conversation  as  be- 
cometh  the  Gospel;  in  nothing  to  be  terrified  by  the  adver* 
saries  of  religion,  that  I  may  overcome,  and  be  made  a 
pillar  in  the  temple  of  my  God.  That  I  may  be  confessed 
by  Christ,  before  God  and  his  angels — so  that,  0  Lord,  I, 
by  thy  power,  may  be  kept  in  all  holiness,  nothing  doubt- 
ing of  thy  love  ! 

About  this  time  God  remarkably  answered  my  fervent 
prayers.  My  father  gave  his  consent,  and  Mr.  Wash- 
burn, to  whom  I  had  been  articled,  as  a  student  at  Law, 
nearly  two  years  before  that  time,  though  to  his  own  detri- 
ment, accelerated  my  departure,  that  I  might  devote  the 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  9> 

remainder  of  my  days  to  the  glory  of  my  beneficent  Creator. 

And  now  do  I  find  myself  again  seated  in  my  father's 
family,  after  having  tried  the  paths  that  lead  to  worldly  fame 
and  greatness,  enjoying  the  smiles  of  my  reconciled  God. 

The  constraining  grace  of  Christ  has  brought  me  low, 
and  abased  me  in  the  dust.  Grant,  O  Lord,  that  I  may  have 
no  more  high  and  lofty  views  of  myself,  but  that  I  may  see 
myself  poor  and  needy,  naked,  wretched,  and  blind,  out 
of  the  unsearchable  riches  of  Christ, 

And  now,  though  I  am  not  in  so  good  health  as  former- 
ly, yet  I  rejoice  that  I  am  this  side  of  the  grave  and  a  burn- 
ing hell.  I  have  vowed  to  give  away  my  life  to  my  God, 
and  if  it  should  please  him,  to  dedicate  myself  to  the 
ministry. 

For  this  purpose  I  relinquish  the  Law.  My  time  at 
present  is  chiefly  spent  in  the  organization  of  Sabbath 
schools,  and  in  soliciting  subscriptions  for  the  erection  of  a 
meeting-house  in  this  place.  Occasionally  I  review  my 
classical  studies  ;  but  as  a  sedentary  life  does  not  at  present 
agree  with  my  health,  therefore  little  time  is  spent  in  this 
way.  How  long  shall  it  be,  0  Lord,  before  I  shall  enter 
publicly  into  thy  business  ?  O  hasten  the  day  and  crown 
my  eflforts  with  success  ;  that  I  may  at  the  last  and  deci- 
sive hour  come  forth,  bearing  the  sheaves  of  my  toil,  hav- 
ing sown  in  tears  the  good  seed  of  thy  kingdom.  But  in 
submission  I  would  say.  Thy  will  be  done,  O  Lord. 

Jan.  7th. — I  am  much  depressed  this  morning,  both  in 
body  and  spirits.  The  symptoms  of  the  old  complaint  in 
my  leg  again  appear.  My  Lord  only  knows  whether  it 
shall  carry  me  hence.  All  must  die.  It  is  appointed  once 
for  man  to  die,  and  happy  is  he  who  is  called  faithful  and 
chosen.  This  is  a  state  of  probation,  and  happy  is  he  who 
confesses  Christ  in  this  vale  of  tears.  For  the  Son  will 
confess  him  before  God  and  his  angels.  But  inbred  sin, 
thou  monster !  deceitful  hast  thou  been,  and  long  led  my 
soul  a  willing  captive.  O  thou,  my  Redeemer,  unless  thy 
blood  be  applied  there  can  be  no  remission ! 


10  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

Sill.  Wed/iesday  evening. — Was  honored  by  hearing  a 
discourse  from  that  much  respected  and  beloved  child  of 
God,  the  Rer.  Thaddeus  Osgood.  Enjoyed  sweet  com- 
munion with  my  God,  and  was  greatly  cheered  by  the  ac- 
counts which  he  gave  of  many  Sabbath  schools.  Sweetly 
did  things  of  an  eternal  nature  drop  from  his  lips.  The 
holy  flame  seemed  to  be  enkindled  in  his  breast,  and  duty 
to  his  divine  Master  impressed  upon  his  heart.  O  his 
godly  advice,  his  heavenly  instruction  !  Let  it  deeply  fix 
upon  our  souls,  and  bring  forth  fruits  meet  for  repentance  ! 
Sweet  advice  did  he  give  to  the  scholars  of  the  Sabbath 
school.     May  it  be  as  seed  sown  in  good  soil  ! 

10^/i.  Friday  evening. — My  dear  father  preached,  "Set 
thy  house  in  order,''  &c.  I  trust  it  was  a  profitable  season 
to  my  soul.  The  great  truths  of  eternity  were  deeply  im- 
pressed upon  all.  Pride,  vanity,  lasciviousness,  self-righ- 
teousness, and  all  vain-  amusements  were  rebuked.  O  let 
us  go  to  Christ,  cast  ourselves  upon  him  unreservedly^ 
that  his  blood  may  be  applied  to  our  souls. 

Feb.  2Qth. — No  prospect  of  my  departure  to  College. 
Lord,  how  long  shall  it  be  before  I  shall  publicly  enter 
upon  thy  business  ?  Or  wilt  thou  never  honor  me,  so  vile 
a  creature,  with  thy  holy  office  ?  But  may  I  sajr,  "  Thy 
will  be  done." 

Twenty-one  years  of  my  life  have  passed  away,  and  are 
nov^r  buried  in  oblivion  ! 

The  seminaries  of  learning  in  these  parts  are  to  edu- 
cate those  who  profess  Presbyterian  principles.  I  languish 
for  want  of  due  employment,  but  0  support  me  under  tri- 
bulation and  afiiiction  with  this  one  trial  also  ! 

March  1th. — I  have  just  returned  from  a  circuit  of  one 
hundred  and  forty  miles,  having  accompanied  my  father 
on  his  mission  through  that  route.  By  the  assistance  of 
my  father  I  established,  or  rather  organized,  two  Sabbath 
schools.  There  is  a  prospect  that  four  more  will  soon  be 
e&tablished.    O  Lord,  be  pleased  to  prosper  those  already 


REV.    :onS    R.    MDOWALL.  ll 

planted  !   O  carry  on  thy  work  in  this  our  country,  till  all 
shall  be  brought  to  a  sense  of  duty  ! 

A  revival  of  religion  has  commenced  in  the  adjoining 
district ;  eighty  have  joined  the  Methodists  and  five  the 
Baptists.  O  how  long  shall  thy  hand  be  concealed  in  this 
place  !  Arise,  0  Lord  !  plead  thy  own  cause,  that  infidelity 
may  hide  her  head  for  shame  ! 

I9lh. — Melancholy,  pensive  soul  am  I.  O  could  I  but 
fly  on  the  pinions  of  a  dove,  1  would  soar  to  a  land  far 
distant,  a  land  where  thou,  Jesus,  art  unknown,  and  there 
would  I  declare  thy  praise  !  Dreadful  sinner  that  I  am  I 
O  horrid,  abominable,  indwelling  sin  !  O  Lord  Jesus,  par- 
don my  sins  and  wash  nne  in  thy  blood ! 

2dd.  Siihbath  day. — Attended  the  school,  made  a  few 
observations  on  the  Lord's  prayer.  Much  more  serious- 
ness observed  in  the  scholars  than  is  usual.  May  some 
fruit  to  the  honor  and  glory  of  God  result !  My  health  is 
not  so  good  as  it  v/as  yesterda}-,  yet  I  believe  it  my  duty 
to  attend  church,  though  it  be  not  of  my  denomination.  And 
0  that  God  would  own  and  bless  the  effort  to  establish 
worship  in  that  place.  But  I  fear  that  prejudices  are  so 
strongly  riveted  they  cannot  easily  be  subdued.  Lord, 
cause  thy  pure  and  undehled  religion  to  surmount  infidel 
principles  and  atheistical  and  deistical  blasphemies. 

June  2oth. — Returned  from  Bath.  Party  spirit  rages 
high,  it  being  the  time  of  their  electing  a  member  to  Par- 
liament. There  were  to  be  seen  men  reeling  to  and  fro 
with  drunkenness,  whose  heads  were  blossomed  for  the 
grave.  O  the  profanity,  the  ungodly  walk  of  men!  Has 
ten  the  day,  O  Lord,  v.-hen  I  shall  leave  this  place  and  go 
{at  hence  to  the  Gentiles ! 

This  day  I  received  a  letter  from  my  dear  friend,  Dr. 
Armstrong.  I  had  written  him  to  know  the  names  of  the 
officers  of  Dartmouth,  Yale,  Union,  and  Andover  semina- 
ries. At  this  time  I  feel  much  distressed .;  my  fathers  ex- 
tensive circuit  demands  all  his  time,  and  I  am  nesflecteJ. 


12  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

O  Lord,  save  my  soul,  and  bear  me  up  under  all  these 
trying-  circumstances  !  O  Lord,  if  it  is  thy  will  that  one  so 
vile  and  base  in  the  sight  of  his  Creator  should  go  forth 
the  herald  of  divine  grace  to  fallen  man,  make  me  sensi- 
ble of  my  wretched  condition  and  dependence  upon  thee  ! 

During  the  month  of  February  I  visited  some  friends 
in  a  most  destitute  part  of  the  country.  How  seldom  do 
they  find  the  healing  balm  presented  to  their  view — the 
atonement  and  complete  redemption  of  fallen  man  through 
the  blood  of  the  dear  Redeemer  !  The  lamp  is  almost  ex- 
tinguished, but,  O  Lord,  may  it  continue  to  burn  till  many 
a  darkened  heart  shall  be  brought  to  a  knowledge  of  the 
Lord,  as  it  is  in  Christ  the  Redeemer.  Two  precious  Sab- 
baths rolled  over  my  head  and  I  did  not  hear  a  Gospel 
sermon ! 

29M.  Attended  the  funeral  of  a  child  seven  years  of 
age,  who  led  an  uncommonly  exemplary  life.  How  satis- 
factory is  it  to  trace  all  the  conduct  of  such  a  child  !  and 
could  we  look  up  to  God  for  direction,  as  a  child  looks  to 
a  parent  for  instruction,  w^hat  might  we  not  expect. 

This  day,  O  Lord,  I  formally  offer  up  myself  to  thee. 
O  Christ,  enable  me  to  keep  this  resolution,  and  never  let 
me  lose  sight  of  the  noble  calling  of  a  minister. 

Prepare  me  for  thy  service,  and  make  me  instrumental 
of  much  good  in  thy  cause.  Let  me  remember  that  former 
vows  have  been  formally  made  with  respect  to  the  most 
solemn  dedication  to  the  ministr5\  Lord,  whilst  that  wa- 
vering and  inconstant  spirit  doth  continue,  may  I  not  be 
led  astray  by  any  false  or  erroneous  doctrine,  but  be  kept 
steadfast  in  the  word  of  God. 

Sahbath  evening. — This  evening  I  visited  the  sick.  O 
may  I  profit  thereby !  Could  I  be,  like  the  publican,  truly 
sensible  of  my  condition,  then  could  I  have  hope  in  God 
my  Savior.  Lord  perfect  thy  work  in  me  !  Let  me  not  go 
down  to  the  grave  a  poor  forlorn  creature,  without  grace 
or  hope. 


REV.    JOHN    R.    M  DOWALL.  13 

June  20/A, — Could  I  but  survey  or  behold  the  pollu- 
tion of  myself,  it  would  be  more  than  I  could  endure. 
Truly  I  am  corrupted  from  the  "  crown  of  the  head  to  the 
sole  of  the  foot."  O  that  I  could  loathe  myself  for  Jesus' 
sake,  and  become  humble  before  him,  in  dust  and  ashes. 
Presuming  youth  that  I  am,  to  defy  the  majesty  of  heaven 
to  enter  into  combat  with  a  worm  of  the  dust,  by  so  many 
rebellions  against  him.  O  Jesus,  subdue  my  obdurate  heart, 
melt  it  down  in  love  to  thee.  Suffer  me  not  to  be  an  out- 
cast from  thy  presence.  Notwithstanding  my  repeated  in- 
sults to  thy  m.ajesty,  thou  hast  still  borne  with  me  to  this 
day.  Do,  O  Lord,  bear  with  me,  for  I  am  but  flesh  and 
blood,  and  they  never  can  inherit  thy  kingdom. 

June  29lh.  How  very  trying  it  is  to  break  off  from  one 
course  and  pursue  another;  for  the  young  man  who  hr^s 
arrived  at  the  age  of  twenty-one,  to  abandon  a  profession 
which  bids  fair  to  give  him  a  decent  and  comfortable  live- 
lihood, and  pursue  that  which  only  offers  trouble,  toil,  and 
pain,  and  one  that  is  subject  to  every  kind  of  reproach  by 
the  avowed  enemies  of  the  cross,  is  a  subject  which  al- 
most rends  the  heart  of  him  who  is  doomed  to  the  sad  and 
almost  heart-rending  trial. 

Youthful  genius  seeks  a  sphere  in  which  it  may  move 
with  pomp  and  acquire  fame.  But  when  these  hopes  are 
blasted,  then  the  victim  is  almost  driven  to  desperation. 
But  blessed  be  the  King,  the  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth, 
that  it  is  in  him  I  put  my  trust — that  it  is  the  cause  of  the 
dear  Redeemer  in  which  [  am  to  be  engaged.  And  O  may 
the  Lord  give  me  strength  to  bear  up  under  affliction.  O 
may  I  be  sound  in  the  faith ;  and  if  it  be  requisite  to  pro- 
mote the  glorious  cause,  may  my  body  be  given  up,  like 
to  that  of  Christ,  a  willing  sacrifice,  even  a  sacrifice  upon 
the  accursed  tree,  ihs  tree  of  infamy  and  disgrace.  O  that 
I  may  be  counted  worthy  to  suffer  for  the  glorious  cause  ! 
O  that  this  frail  reptile  worm,  only  a  speck  on  the  face  of 
creation,  could  have  so  glorious  an  end  ;  for  the  martyrs 
o 


14  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

and  saints  shall  shine  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  as  so 
many  suns  and  stars.  O  could  I  bat  arrive  to  the  station 
of  a  door-keeper  in  the  house  of  God,  what  a  great — Avhat 
a  noble — what  an  exalted  creature  should  I  be.* 

June  20th. — It  is  very  trying  for  me  to  abandon  this 
profession,  (the  study  of  the  law,)  but  we  know  He  that 
feedeth  the  young  ravens  when  they  cry,  can  also  feed 
me.  May  I  be  wholly  resigned  unto  the  Lord,  and  may 
the  God  of  Jacob  be  pleased  to  acknowledge  me  as  one  of 
his  children.  Teach  me,  O  God,  to  be  resigned,  and  not 
distrustful  of  thy  word !  Lord,  many  obligations  are  in- 
cumbent on  me,  and  how  few  do  I  faithfully  discharge ! 
How  can  I  atone  for  all  this  ?  Alas  !  by  the  deeds  of  the 
law  shall  no  flesh  be  justified. 

Should  it  please  the  Lord  to  cast  me  into  his  vineyard, 
then  he  will  open  the  door  where  I  must  enter.  My  trust 
is  in  him,  and  I  know  that  in  his  appointed  time  I  shall 
be  received;  if  not  a  laborer  here  in  his  church,  I  shall 
enter  into  his  church  triumphant.  A  religious  friend  spent 
an  evening  with  me,  and  could  I  enjoy,  during  life,  what  I 
felt  during  his  conversation,  it  would  satisfy  me  more  than 
all  the  wealth  of  the  world. 

*  It  seems  impossible  to  pass  over  this  strange  request  of  a  youth 
of  twenty-one,  and  not  adn?iire  the  spirit  that  dictated  it,  and  the  lite- 
ral fulfillment  of  this  almost  prophetic  petition. 


REV.    JOHN    R.    M'dOWALL.  15 


CHAPTER   III. 

ReHnquishment  of  worldly  prospects — Plans  of  study — Hungerings 
and  thirstjngs  after  righteousness — ydemn  covenant  engagements 
and  vows. 

Copy  of  a  letter  without  date. 

Rev.  and  dear  Sir, — Yours  of  the  third  inst.  is  now 
before  me.  Its  contents  I  highly  esteem.  How  is  it  that 
He  who  ordains  all  things,  has  appointed  a  sphere  in 
which  each  human  being  must  move  ?  And  happy  are  they 
who  are  called  to  labor  in  his  vineyard,  if  they  discharge 
their  duty  with  care  and  fidelity.  So  likewise  all  men  are 
not  qualified  to  fill  the  same  office,  and  for  that  reason  do 
I  think  it  is  my  duty  to  abandon  the  pursuit  which  has  so 
long  been  the  object  of  my  care.  But  though  I  consider 
that  this  profession  would  never  be  congenial  to  my  feelings, 
yet  I  will  not  say  that  of  divinity  would  be  ;  but  by  prayer 
and  a  hope  for  immortal  blessings,  with  a  desire  to  pro- 
mote the  glorious  cause,  I  will  trust  in  him  who  is  perfect- 
ly able  to  make  it  so.  Never,  my  dear  friend,  since  that 
day  in  which  my  name  was  recorded  on  the  books  of  the 
Law  Society  of  Upper  Canada  as  a  student  at  Law,  did  I 
enjoy  tranquillity.  To  think  I  should  be  instrumental  in 
increasing  the  mass  of  human  misery  which  daily  sur- 
rounds us,  together  with  the  recollection  of  promises  made 
on  the  bed  of  sickness,  with  innumerable  other  things,  it 
destroyed  my  peace  and  sometimes  left  me  almost  a  vic- 
tim of  despair.  But  now  I  can  say,  in  verity  I  hope,  that 
the  Lord  hath  wrought  a  great  work  for  my  soul.  The 
prison  doors  are  open,  and  no  longer  am  I  a  willing  cap- 
tive of  the  great  enemy  of  mankind.  Every  bright  and 
brilliant  prospect  of  making  a  comfortable  and  easy  liveli- 
hood have  I  sacrificed.  And  O  may  the  all-wise  Being 
give  so  unworthy  a  creature  an  abode  in  that  house  which 


16  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

hath  many  mansions,  mansions  in  which  perpetual  happi- 
ness  and  immortal  bliss  are  found.  A  length  of  time  will 
be  necessary  to  acquire  that  knowledge  of  Latin  I  had 
when  I  entered  into  the  Law;  my  prospects,  too,  are  far 
from  being  so  favorable  as  I  could  wish  :  but  by  assiduity 
are  the  greatest  obstacles  surmounted. 

If  I  had  some  person  who  could  daily  direct  my  stu- 
dies  and  attend  on  me  at  regular  periods,  then  should  I 
not  only  re-acquire,  but  lay  up  a  great  store  of  useful 
knowledge,  and  that  in  the  course  of  a  short  lime.  When 
at  home  my  father  will  do  this;  but  a  very  great  in- 
convenience will  be  found  in  studying  there,  arising  from 
his  being  so  much  absent.  Many  weeks  I  have  known  him 
to  be  absent  for  three  or  four  days  during  each,  and  sel. 
dom  is  there  a  week  but  he  is  away  one  or  tw^o.  This 
causes  irregularity ;  and  where  this  is  the  case,  a  person 
cannot  expect  to  proceed  with  so  much  satisfaction  as- 
though  it  w^ere  otherwise. 

I  am  happy  to  hear  of  your  success.     I  hope  j^ou  may 
be  useful,  not  only  as  a  pastor  of  Christ's  small  flock,  but 
as  a  public  teacher  of  the  arts  and  sciences — persons  of 
his  description  are  so  much  needed  in  Canada.    I  am, 
Rev.  Sir,  yours  truly, 

J.   R.   M'DOWALL. 
Rev.  Mr.  Green,  J^iagara. 


FURTHER    EXTRACTS    FRO^I    HIS    DIARY. 

\7th. — O  that  I  might  be  circumspect  in  all  things,  and 
not  even  give  the  enemy  an  opportunity  to  lay  hold  of  my 
failings  !  Many  rush  forward  in  those  pursuits  which  are 
injurious  to  themselves  as  well  as  to  many  others.  Not- 
withstanding my  profession  and  almost  daily  desires  to 


REV.    JOHN    R.    ?:  DOWALL.  17 

live  a  more  devoted  life  than  1  have  done,  yet  there  ap- 
pears to  be  nothing  of  which  I  am  more  destitute;  even 
in  the  very  midst  of  devotion,  tempting  thoughts  enter  my 
mind  and  dissipate  every  godly  idea.  Here,  then,  appears 
the  beauty  of  Jesus  saying,  "  Watch  and  pray,  lest  ye  en- 
ter into  temptation."  Our  depravity  is  such,  that  we  are 
totally  unable  to  serve  God  without  a  renewal  of  heart. 

In  thee,  0  Lord,  do  I  put  my  trust,  and  though  the  day 
should  be  retarded  in  which  I  am  to  enter  thy  vineyard, 
yet  I  know  that  thou  hast  not  rejected  me,  but  that  one 
day  I  shall  be  an  acknowledged  workman  in  thy  service. 

Disappointment  renders  a  man  unfit  for  business.  This 
I  know,  from  a  sad  trial — an  experimental  acquaintance 
beyond  the  power  of  deception. 

A  Diary  kept  for  my  own  j)rivale  iasirv.ction. 

Here  should  my  light  shine  forth,  but  too  much  dark- 
rsess  pervades  my  mind.  To  be  illuminated  by  the  Com- 
forter is  my  great  desire  at  present.  A  vain  levity  marks 
my  actions.  O  that  I  could  divest  myself  thereof  by  the 
help  of  Jesus.  With  great  circumspection  should  I  walk, 
that  the  world,  seeing  my  good  works,  might  glorify  my 
Father  which  is  in  heaven. 

July  2od,  1823.— A  vow  of  the  utmost  chastity,  to  ex 
tend  even  to  the  very  thoughts,  should  constantly  bind  me. 
Such  an  one,  O  Lord,  enable  me  faithfully  to  observe  un- 
til August  23d,  and  from  thence  to  the  end  of  my  life,  and 
to  thee  shall  all  the  praise  be  rendered.* 

John  R.  M'Dowall. 

A  breach  of  the  above  would  justly  doom  to  everlasting 

*  He  made  this  vow  "  before  God  and  angels,"  and  affixed  a  seal, 
but  the  sheet  which  contained  it  has  been  mislaid.  It  was  written  a 
short  time  afler  this. 

2* 


18  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

misery.  Therefore  enable  me  to  do — to  observe  this,  and  ali 
thy  other  laws,  that  I,  by  patience  and  well-doing,  may 
finally  be  brought  into  thy  heavenly  kingdom. 

July  25th. — I  fear  the  above  is  worded  in  a  manner  that 
corresponds  not  with  the  Gospel ;  for  it  would  justify  me 
by  the  law.  I  desire  not  to  trust  to  being  saved  thereby, 
but  through  the  merits  of  Jesus  Christ. 

That  I  may  the  better  remember  vows  which  were 
made  in  youth  and  riper  years,  I  here  record  them  which 
come  to  my  remembrance,  praying  the  Lord  will  be  pleased 
to  enable  me  to  perform  them, 

1816. — During  an  ilbiess. 

U  it  will  please  the  Lord  to  raise  me  from  this  bed  of 
sickness,  the  remainder  of  my  days  shall  be  devoted  to  his 
service  in  the  ministerial  office, 

John  R.  M' Do  wall. 

1822. —  While  a  student  at  laiv,  in   York,    Upper 
Canada. 

In  reflecting  on  my  past  life,  I  find  conscience  bears  me 
witness,  that  unless  1  perform  the  vow  of  1816,  and  do,  as 
soon  as  circumstances  permit,  relinquish  the  thoughts  of 
ever  becoming  a  barrister  and  counsellor  at  law,  I  never 
can  have  peace  with  my  God. 

I  am  sensible  that  my  abilities  are  but  slender ;  however, 
God  can  be  to  me  as  he  was  to  Moses,  and  do  even  much 
more ;  in  consequence  of  which  I  will  devote  the  remain- 
der ^f  my  life  to  his  honor  and  glory;  and  may  the  Lord 
enable  me  to  keep  this  vow. 

[L.  S.]  Signed,  sealed,  and  executed  with  faith  in  Jesus 
Christ,  my  Lord  and  only  Savior. 

John  R.  M'Dowall. 
York^  Upper  Canada.  GOD  IS  TRUE. 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  19 


CHAPTER  IV. 


Precautions  against  error — Against  impetuosity  and  indiscretion- 
Chastisements — Disappointments — resignation — Claims  of  the  hea- 
then— Response  to  the  call — Departure  from  his  father's  house — 
Commencement  of  his  studies  at  Amherst — Resolutions  and 
prayers. 

FROM    HIS    DIARY. 

July  26. — I  find  that  I  am  subject  to  a  bias  ffom  three 
sources  :  Times,  "  Persons,  and  Opinions^  In  times,  in 
judging  of  ages  past  and  gone  by  the  present :  from  ''  per- 
so?is,^^  in  submissively  following  their  creed  without  due 
examination,  they  thereby  acquiring  an  imperceptible 
authority  over  my  sentiments,  even  so  much  so  as  to  se- 
duce me  to  adopt  their  errors;  and  from  ''opiniojis"  in 
endeavoring  to  pervert  or  modify  facts,  in  favor  of  those 
who  have  embraced  them,  or  to  the  disadvantage  of  those 
who  have  opposed  them  ; — from  this,  Lord,  deliver  me. 

27. — The  impetuous  fire  of  youth  often  drives  us  on,  and 
without  carefull)'-  tempering  it  with  moderation,  it  may 
plunge  us  into  a  labyrinth  of  inextricable  difficulties. 

Then  zeal,  tempered  by  discretion,  is  a  treasure  which 
can  never  be  too  highly  valued:  nor  can  zeal  without 
knowledge  be  too  highly  condemned  and  guarded  against. 
So  then,  to  be  a  workman  that  needeth  not  to  be  ashamed, 
rightly  dividing  the  word  of  God,  giving  to  each  his  por- 
tion in  due  season,  without /ga?-  or  partiality,  is  truly  much 
to  be  desired. 

I  am  again  troubled  with  a  pain  in  my  thigh,  and  am 
obliged  to  use  crutches  to  go  from  one  room  to  another. 

August  18. — Since  the  15th  of  July  it  has  pleased  the 
Lord  to  chastise  me  in  two  w^ays ;  the  one  with  sickness, 
the  other  with  disappointment. 


20  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

As  to  the  first — On  or  about  the  15th  of  July,  having  at* 
tended  to  the  Sabbath  school  as  superintendent,  I  was 
seized  with  a  violent  pain  in  the  thigh,  and  soon  became  so 
affected  that  I  was  obliged  to  apply  to  a  surgeon.  At  this 
moment  it  is  not  entirely  free  from  the  infection. 

As  to  the  second  disappointment,  my  life  being  devoted 
to  the  Lord,  I  am  anxious  of  entering  the  ministry.  For 
this  purpose  1  relinquished  the  Law;  and  in  six  months 
was  to  have  been  in  a  seminary  of  learning,  in  order  to 
prepare  myself  for  that  important  office.  But  twelve  months 
have  elapsed,  and  there  are  no  more  appearances  of  my 
departure  than  when  I  returned  to  my  father's  house. 
This  is  the  disappointm.ent.  This  has  caused  me  to  re- 
pine, and  not  be  so  humble  as  I  should  have  been.  O  that 
I  might  be  resigned  in  adversity,  and  thankful  in  prosperi* 
ty.  O  that  I  might  never  murmur  at  the  dispensations  of 
Providence,  but  always  kiss  the  rod  that  inflicts  the  wound. 

John  R.  M'Dowall. 

19th.  My  mind  is  much  agitated  at  this  moment.  It 
arises  from  a  call  for  a  young  man  to  go  to  the  heathen  as 
a  missionary.  O  my  God,  I  am  thine:  dispose  of  me  as 
thou  shalt  think  best. 

The  past  night  was  one  of  the  most  trying  I  have  ever 
had,  at  least  lately.  The  conflict  was  great.  Whether  I 
should  accept  the  call,  and  go  as  a  missionary  to  the  hea- 
then, is  a  question  quite  undecided  in  my  mind.  The  many 
obstacles  which  missionaries  have  to  encounter  from  the 
prince  of  the  power  of  the  air,  is  enough  to  discourage  a 
youth  of  more  fortitude  than  myself. 

But  it  is  not  in  an  arm  of  flesh  I  must  trust.  The  Lord 
is  a  rock  of  refuge;  yea,  he  is  a  tower  of  strong  defence. 
Canada,  my  native  land,  knows  but  little  of  that  which 
maketh  for  her  everlasting  peace.  True  it  is  that  she  hath 
some  who  preach  the  glad  tidings  of  great  salvation  with 
fervency ;  but  they  are  few.    Satan's  empire  is  very  strong 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  21 

in  her.  Many  have  a  zeal  to  subdue  his  power  and  plant 
the  Savior's  standard  on  the  ruins  of  his  kingdom ;  but  I 
fear  their  zeal  is  not  according  to  knowledge. 

So  then,  there  is  a  wide  field  open  for  usefulness  here. 
But  here  the  great  question  ariseth — Shall  this  need  of  faith- 
ful laborers  preclude  us  from  sending  the  Gospel  to  those 
who  have  never  heard  of  a  Savior?  And  who  shall  bear 
the  commission? 

Now  the  first  part  of  this  question  the  I^Iessiah  has  de- 
cided :  "  Go  ye,  therefore,  and  teach  all  natioyis ;  teaching 
them  to  observe  all  things  whatsoever  I  have  commanded 
you — and  lo,  I  am  with  you  alway,  even  unto  the  end  of 
the  world."  This  is  peremptory.  Let  mortals  obey.  As  to 
the  second — Who  shall  bear  this  commission  ?  God  hath 
stirred  up  the  hearts  of  his  people  to  send  the  Gospel,  and 
they  now  call  on  them  who  love  the  Savior,  to  come  and  be 
prepared  to  preach  the  unsearchable  riches  of  Christ. 

I  find  that  my  talents  might  be  employed  in  my  native 
land,  and  perhaps  w^ith  success.  But  I  have  also  observed 
that  the  heathen  are  perishing  for  lack  of  vision ;  and  who 
knows  but  my  talents,  though  small,  might  be  of  much 
use  in  building  up  the  cause  of  God  among  the  gentiles  ? 
Christ's  command  is  binding.  Go.  Now,  does  the  debi- 
lity of  my  body  prevent  me  from  going,  or  am  I  not  a 
chosen  vessel  to  bear  his  name  among  the  gentiles;  or 
have  I  a  call  to  some  other  place?  These  are  questions 
of  so  much  importance  that  I  dare  not  hastily  decide.  O 
Lord,  enable  me  to  sit  down  and  first  count  up  the  cost. 
Direct  me  according  to  thy  will,  then  shall  I  please  thee 
in  all  things.  1  have  given  myself  in  covenant  to  thee, 
therefore  am  T  at  thy  disposal.  Make  me  useful  whether 
ihou  sendest  me  to  the  heathen  or  to  the  lost  sheep  of  the 
house  of  Israel.  I  am  weak,  but  with  the  weak  things  or 
the  world  thou  canst  confound  the  mighty. 

20th.  Yesterday  I  parted  with  a  young  friend  who  was 
very  dear  to  me.     He  is  to  enter  Union  College.     I  ex- 


22  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

pected  to  have  entered  with  him,  but  circumstances  forbid. 
On  this  account  our  parting  was  more  tender.  If  I  accept 
of  the  missionary  call,  it  is  not  likely  I  shall  see  him  again 
in  time. 

The  call  for  a  young  man  to  go  as  a  missionary  to  the 
heathen  not  giving  any  particulars,  and  no  society  having 
been  formed,  I  send  a  copy  of  the  following  letter  for  fur- 
ther information. 


Fredericksburgh,  U.  Canada,  August,  1822. 

Sir, — I  feel  a  little  hesitancy  in  addressing  you  on  the 
present  occasion.  This  arises  not  from  a  distrust  in  the 
efficacy  of  those  means  which  my  Lord  may  please  to  use 
for  the  propagation  of  his  kingdom,  but  from  the  anony- 
mous manner  in  which  you  call  upon  the  public  for  a 
young  man  to  go  to  the  heathen  as  a  missionary.  Had 
your  name  appeared  on  behalf  of  yourself  or  a  societj'-,  I 
could  then  have  spoken  with  more  freedom.  But  since 
this  is  not  the  case,  and  as  one  who  has  thoughts  of  offer- 
ing himself  as  a  candidate,  I  beg  to  know  how  far  you  in- 
tend to  assist,  and  where  the  youth,  who  shall  be  approved, 
can  apply  for  such  instruction  as  may  be  necessary  to 
qualify  him  to  preach  among  the  Gentiles  the  unsearch- 
able riches  of  Christ. 

I  shall  say  but  little  of  myself;  it  would  be  vanity.  My 
father  is  a  minister  of  the  Gospel,  and  perhaps  known  to 
yourself.  I  was  lately  a  student  at  law;  but,  for  reasons 
contained  in  the  enclosed  certificate,  I  relinquished  the  pur- 
suit, and  am  now  desirous  of  entering  as  a  laborer  into  the 
Lord's  vineyard.  My  education  is  superficial,  and  I  am 
one  of  those  who  consider  it  necessary  to  be  not  only  well 
qualified  by  human,  but  also  by  Divine  teaching,  in  order 
to  declare  the  whole  counsel  of  God  to  fallen  man. 

On  a  subject  of  so  much  ini'porlancc  I  cannot  think  of 
finally    deciding    without    more    extensive    information. 


REV.     JOHN    R.    m'dOMALL.  23 

Long  have  I  desired  to  know  the  desolations  that  have 
been  made  in  the  holy  city,  and  preach  deliverance  to  the 
captive  Israelites.  Should  I  ever  be  employed  as  a  mis- 
sionary, Palestine  seems  to  he  the  place  in  which  I  should 
delight  to  labor.  I  merely  mention  this,  as  the  idea  has  been 
long  fondly  cherished. 

Be  so  kind  as  to  return  the  certificate  in  your  ansv/en 
Yours  in  the  best  of  causes, 

John  R.  M'Dowall. 

P. .  S. — Perhaps  you  may  like  to  know  my  confession  of 
faith.  It  is  that  of  the  church  of  Scotland,  or  the  Dutch 
church.  My  age  22  years.  Any  observation  you  please 
to  make,  will  be  thankfully  received,  J.  JM'D. 


21. — In  poor  heaUh.  The  Lord  truly  makes  my  "  wick- 
edness correct  me,  and  my  backslidings  reprove  me:"  for 
I  have  been  as  ungovernable  as  the  mountain  ass,  seeking 
my  own  pleasure,  despising  the  admonitions  of  the  Most 
High  God,  and  running  whithersoever  I  would. 

Monday,  August  25,  1823. — This  day  my  friend  Wm. 
M'Pherson  leaves  Canada  for  the  college. 

25. — Much  disturbed  in  mind.  O  God,  hide  not  from  me 
the  light  of  thy  life-giving  countenance,  as  I  have  hidden 
myself  from  thee.  O  may  I  abound  more  in  prayer,  for  my 
heart  is  dreary. 

Sepiejnbcr  18. — V/hether  I  shall  ever  go  as  a  missionary 
or  not  to  the  heathen,  is  undecided  in  my  mind,  and  I  do 
not  expect  to  come  to  a  determination  until  I  have  finished 
my  studies — of  an  end  of  which  there  is  no  prospect  at 
present. 

I  have  a  mind  that  is  very  much  agitated.  O  what  must 
not  my  punishment  be,  unless  the  Lord  melt  this  rebel- 
lious heart  in  love  to  him.  Worm  that  I  am,  to  struggle 
asrainst  my  Maker  God  !  "Who  shall  deliver  me  from  the 


24  .MEMOIR    OF    THE 

body  of  this  death!"  O  Savior,  come  ''leaping"  over  the 
mountains  of  mj'  sins,  and  skipping  over  the  hills  of  my 
provocation. 

In  this  trying  hour  hide  not  from  me  the  light  of  thy 
countenance,  O  rnostgraciousFather,  but  deliver  me  from 
blood-guiltiness.  "  Keep  me,  O  Lord,  as  the  apple  of 
thine  eye,"  and  sufler  not  Satan  to  drive  me  into  despair. 

When  to  my  study  1  take  myself,  that  cloud  which 
has  darkened  the  prospects  of  my  receiving  a  liberal  edu- 
cation, from  infancy,  seems  to  gather  blackness  and  expeli 
all  the  hopes  which  1  once  so  fondly  entertained.  .  It  is 
trying — it  is  heart-rending — to  let  go  the  idea :  but  hence- 
forth enable  me,  O  most  gracious  God,  by  thy  grace,  to  be 
resigned,  and  not  murmur.  O  keep  thine  everlasting  arms 
round  about  me,  lest  I  fall  into  the  pit  of  everlasting  de- 
struction. 

Disapyomiment  is  as 'poison  to  my  consiltuiion.  O  God, 
I  have  sinned — sinned  willfully.  "  The  soul  that  sinneth 
thus,  it  shall  die,"  says  the  law.  0  Lord,  bring  me  to  re- 
pentance, and  create  a  new  heart  v/ithin  me. 

The  next  notice  he  has  made  in  his  Journal,  is  dated 
Sackett's  Harbor,  on  his  way  to  Amherst  Institution.  How 
the  obstructions  were  removed,  which  had  so  long  kepthinn 
in  painful  suspense,  he  has  not  told  us. 

October  22. — Sachctth  Harbor,  half  past  three.  I  left 
Canada,  (Kingston.)  Oct.  27,  Albany,  went  to  the  north 
Dutch  church;  heard  Mr.  Ludlow,  from  Hebrews,  II. 
Derived  great  consolation  from  the  discourse,  and  received 
new  desires,  and  more  fervent  zeal  to  prosecute  my  under- 
takings. As  Moses  left  his  dignities,  and  counted  it  great- 
er riches  to  follow  the  Lord  :  so  may  I,  O  thou  God  of  Ja- 
cob, take  up  my  cross  and  follow  thee,  as  well  through  evil 
as  good  report.  Be  with  me  during  the  remaining  part 
of  this  day:  keep  me  from  sinning  against  thee. 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  25 

Amherst,  Massachusetts. 

November  4,  1823. — It  is  a  fortnight  to  day  since  I  left 
my  Father's  house.  Lord,  this  is  the  first  pledge,  or  most 
solemn  act,  by  which  I  have  testified  my  resignation  to  thy 
will.  O  make  me  more  so.  Grant  me  thy  Spirit,  and 
enable  me  to  undergo  the  fatigue  of  a  regular  course  of 
education.  In  thee,  O  Lord,  I  trust.  May  I  never  be  con- 
founded. 

5ih.  Entered  the  Academy  this  day,  and  commenced 
the  Greek  Grammar. 


CHAPTER  V. 

EXERCISES    OF   HIS    MIND    AT    AMHERST. 

Joy  in  God — Temptations — Coldness— Slow  progress — Self-abase- 
ment— Sanctuary  and  social  privileges. — The  heathen — The 
Jews — Longing  desires  for  their  Conversion — Anxiety  to  visit 
Jerusalem,  and  labor  in  Palestine. — He  unites  with  the  church 
in  A.mherst — Pecuniary  destitution — Spiritual  distresses — In- 
struction of  Children. 

9th.  Sabbath  evening. — Magnify  the  Lord,  O  my  soul, 
and  all  the  powers  within.  O  how  beautiful  are  the  feet  of 
those  who  bring  the  sound  of  salvation.  Here  thy  church 
shines  in  glorious  robes.  Here  glory  is  given  to  thee,  in 
the  highest.  Rise,  my  soul,  on  the  pinions  of  a  dove,  and 
come  away  to  Jesus.     O  slumber  not. 

November  27th. — Great  temptations  assail  me  ;  the  de- 
ceitfulness  of  the  heart,  the  ''lust  of  the  eye,"  and  unholy 
desires,  continually  add  to  the  black  and  already  overgrown 
catalogue  of  my  sins  and  blasphemies.  The  Lord  is  good ; 
his  mercy  has  been  more  conspicuous  than  his  justice  to- 
wards me. 

Sabbath,  dOth. — Heard  Professor  Otis  in  the  morning, 
3 


26  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

»'  In  your  patience  possess  ye  your  souls."  Mr.  Clark  in 
the  afternoon,  "  They  will  reverence  my  son."  I  am 
cold  ;  the  Lord  has  taken  away  his  Spirit.  I  do  not  de- 
lio-ht  in  his  worship  as  I  have  formerly.  What  have  I 
done,  O  my  God,  to  offend  thee  so  much?  O  pity  me,  for  I 
am  but  a  sinner  and  a  man.  O  Jesus,  feed  me  with^spirit- 
ual  bread,  and  give  me  the  water  of  life  to  drink. 

It  has  pleased  the  Lord  to  bear  with  me  in  a  gentle  man- 
ner during  my  illness,  which  continued  about  three  weeks. 
O  thank  the  Lord,  my  soul,  for  all  his  goodness,  and  forget 
not  his  loving-kindness. 

Sabbath  morning,  Dec.  27th. — Keep  me  from  sinning 
against  thee  this  day.  Forbid  that  I  should  yield  my 
members  instruments  of  unrighteousness,  because  I  have  a 
hope  of  having  passed  from  death  unto  life.  But  may  1 
"  press  forward  towards  the  mark  of  the  prize  of  the  high 
calling  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus."  I  pray  thou  wilt  grant 
me  health,  and  strength,  and  a  retentive  memory,  with  all 
wisdom  that  may  be  necessary  to  facilitate  my  studies,  so 
hat  at  last  I  may  become  a  shining  light  in  thy  church. 
January,  1324. — More  than  twenty -two  years  have 
passed  by  since  I  have  had  a  being :  but  O  how  little 
progress  have  I  made  in  the  christian  life.  The  probabili- 
ty is  I  shall  not  see  as  many  more.  O  that  I  were  wise — 
that  I  AYOuld  but  put  on  the  whole  armor  of  salvation. 

Sabbath  morning,  1824. — When  I  consider  myself  an 
accountable  being  and  free  moral  agent,  and  contrast  the 
requisitions  of  God  with  my  character,  I  find  that  to  me 
there  is  nothing  but  condemnation.  Out  of  my  heart  pro- 
ceed thoughts  blasphemous  in  their  nature,  desires  unlaw- 
ful in  their  tendency :  a  heart  black  as  night,  corrupt,  de- 
formed, and  hateful,  as  a  cage  of  unclean  birds.  I  will  come 
to  my  God  and  my  Savior,  and  at  the  foot  of  his  cross  look 
for  mercy. 

Februanj  29th,  1824.— Fast-day  for  colleges  and  aca- 
demies. Met  in  the  church— many  very  interesting  remarks 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  27 

made.     It  was  a  day  in  which  my  soul  was  apparently 
caught  up  from  earth  a  while  to  converse  with  its  God. 

O  what  self-abasing  views  I  had  of  the  evil  of  my  heart. 
No  good  thing  can  proceed  from  thence  till  Jesus  wash  it 
in  his  blood. 

Sabbath  evening,  2Stk. — This  night  I  was,  by  the  rules 
of  the  United  Brethren,  called  to  take  the  lead  in  the  ser- 
vices. Feeling  that  I  had  not  walked  according  to  the  re- 
quisitions of  the  Gospel,  I  could  not  say  to  my  brother,  "  Let 
me  pull  out  the  mote  from  your  eye." 

The  close  of  last  term — subject  of  meditation.  Many 
who  then  met  with  us  are  not  with  us  now.  Some  we  hope 
were  sons  and  daughters  of  the  Highest.  There  are  some 
now  in  our  number  of  a  similar  character.  The  eyes  of 
the  impenitent  are  upon  us — the  eyes  of  the  brethren — of 
angels — of  seraphims — yea,  of  God  himself,  are  upon  us. 
We  are  closely  hedged  up  on  every  side. 

One  dear  brother  observed,  he  did  not  know  he  was  so 
cool  till  he  visited  a  society  near  his  father's,  where  was  a 
revival  of  religion.  We  had  better  say  but  little  of  self:  it 
is  hazardous  to  speak  of  our  elated  feelings,  because  in  a 
short  time  we  may  become  like  '*  fine  gold,  dim^ 

It  will  give  the  adversary  an  opportunity  to  injure  the 
divine  cause. 

We  complain  at  the  close  of  every  term  of  coldness.  Do 
we  feel  what  we  say  ?  Is  there  not  a  profession  of  words 
while  the  heart  does  not  assent  ?  Do  we  gain  any  thing 
by  living  a  life  of  such  stupidity  ?  Is  it  beneficial  to  our 
studies  ?  Does  coldness  promote  happiness  ?  Will  it  not 
rather  plant  thorns  in  our  pillow,  and  darken  our  pros- 
pects for  eternity  1 

Sabbath,  29th. — During  the  past  week  thousands  of 
prayers  have  been  offered  up  for  us.  The  contrite  and 
meek,  the  humble  and  lowly,  wrestled  no  doubt  for  us. 
Let  us  come  humbly  and  faithfully,  trusting  in  God's  sa- 


28  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

cred  promises,  lest  we  grieve  the  holy  Spirit,  and  he  take 

no  delight  in  us. 

*  *  #  *  *  # 

Sabbath  evening  conference. — "  Dear  friends,  your  ap- 
pearance here  this  evening  binds  you  to  do  all  you  can 
for  the  promotion  of  the  cause  of  your  divine  Master.  In 
order  to  enjoy  the  blessing,  we  must  repent,  and  feel  com- 
punction for  our  sins.  There  is  nothing  in  our  way  but 
our  wills.  Is  Christ  in  the  way  I  He  died  to  redeem  us. 
Is  God  in  our  way  ?  He  conceived  the  plan  of  our  redemp. 
tion,  and  gave  his  own  Son  to  die.  Is  the  Holy  Ghost  in 
our  way  ?  He  strives  with  us.  The  Spirit  says,  Come. 
We  are  acting  in  a  presumptuous  manner,  in  refusing  to 
comply.  For  one  pennyworth  of  gold  we  sell  the  rubies, 
pearls,  and  diadems  of  heaven!" 

Saturday  evening. — I  do  think  it  is  my  duty  to  complv 
(at  least  at  present)  with  the  customs  of  New-England,  in 
relation  to  the  evening  that  ought  to  be  solemnized  to  the 
Lord.  O  God,  thou  see&t  me;  thou  knowest  that  I  have  a 
vile  heart,  and  unless  thou  dost  bring  deliverance  I  must 
perish.  To-morrow  is  the  day  in  which  the  dying  love  of 
Jesus  is  to  be  commemorated*  I  was  proposed  to  the  minis- 
ter some  time  since  for  admission  as  a  member,  and  by  him 
proposed  to  the  church  committee.  But  I  have  not  gone 
forward  as  yet.  Conviction  tells  me,,  that  if  I  have  an  in- 
terest in  Christ  I  ought  to  manifest  it  before  the  world.  But 
the  late  trouble  in  the  parish  with  the  pastor  was  one  rea- 
son why  I  delayed. 

Sabbath  morning. — In  the  midst  of  my  most  solemn  de- 
votions evil  thoughts  enter  my  mind.  O  seat  of  corruption  I 
When  shall  I  be  made  free  in  the  worship  of  God ;  or  shall 
I  be  only  "  a  hewer  of  wood  and  a  drawer  of  water,"  with- 
out being  permitted  to  inhabit  the  holy  naansion  in  the 
skies  ? 

Have  just  attended  the  sanctuary,  where  the  Lord's 
supper  was  admininistered.     Although  I  am  no  member, 


REV.    JOHN    Rv    M  DOWALL.  29 

yet  I  cannot  let  go  my  hope  in  Christ.  If  my  hope  be 
false,  O  God  destroy  it,  and  give  me  an  evangelical  one, 
and  place  my  feet  on  the  Rock  of  Ages.  O  was  I  an  alien 
in  the  house  of  God  this  day  ?  To  be  numbered  with  the  un- 
believers I  was  unwilling,  and  to  intrude  upon  the  sacred 
ordinances  of  Christ's  dying  love,  by  eating  the  bread  and 
drinking  the  wine,  I  dare  not.  So  I  numbered  myself 
with  neither  class,  and  brought  myself  into  the  state  where 
Christ  says  none  can  come.     Dreadful  dilemma  ! 

lOtL — Have  had  a  strong  desire  to  behold  the  day  in 
which  I  shall  preach  Christ  among  the  Gentiles.  My 
heart  was  warmed  by  a  history  of  Jerusalem  by  Mr.  King. 
O  Lord,  hasten  thou  the  day,  and  permit  an  unworthy 
worm  of  the  dust  to  have  some  humble  place  in  thy 
vineyard. 

lAth,  Sabbath.-^How  inestimable  are  all  thy  blessings, 
O  my  God  !  Zion's  King  is  delighted  to  spread  his  glory 
and  his  name  through  a  ruined  world.  Here  daily  do  I 
enjoy  the  company  of  his  dear  ones.  The  light  of  heaven 
is  bursting  on  my  mind,  whilst  darkness  struggles  hard  to 
maintain  its  primeval  hold.  But  let  me  lay  hold  on  Jesus, 
and  let  him  be  to  my  soul  the  "  Chiefest  among  ten  thou- 
sand.'^ This  day  has  the  dear  Mr.  Clark  contended  ear- 
nestly for  the  •'  faith  once  delivered  to  the  saints,"  from 
these  words:  "What  is  truth?"  O  God>  do  manifest  thy 
love  to  me,  and  remove  all  doubts  from  my  mind. 

O  Jerusalem  1  In  thee  is  my  soul  bound  up.  When  shall 
barbarous  infidels  cease  to  pollute  thy  holy,  thrice  holy  por- 
tals ?  How  long  art  thou  doomed  to  be  a  dormitory  of  vice  ? 
How  long  shall  popish  superstition  bind  thy  sacred  mounts, 
Mahommedan  delusion  defile  thy  holy  gates,  or  pagan  su- 
perstition abound  within  thy  circuit  ?  O  come  quickly,  great 
God,  and  suffer  not  thy  holy  city  to  be  trodden  under  foot 
by  the  Gentiles. 

Monday  morning,  4  o'clock. — Dear  Jesus,  I  have  slept 
^and  awaked  under  thy  care.     My  soul  rejoices  in  all  thou 

3* 


30  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

art  doing  for  me.  I  commend  my  dear  parents,  brotliers 
and  sister,  into  thy  hand :  and  O  that  they  might  live- 
before  thee !  Grant  me  health  and  strength  this  day  to  pur- 
sue my  studies. 

Our  beloved  preceptor  takes  much  pains  to  direct  us  m 
our  spiritual  concerns.  Ssrely  it  ought  to  be  our  first  aim 
to  secure  the  salvation,  of  our  souls  before  we  meddle  with 
polemic  disputes.  Jesus  commands  us  to  repent,  and  shall 
we  be  so  foolish  as  to  contend  about  doctrines  when  we 
neglect  to  obey  this  imperative  injunction? 

March  2isi, — When  I  returned  from  York  (Upper 
Canada,)  to  my  father's  I  was  the  principal  person  by  whom 
the  Sabbath  school  was  got  up  and  supported.  When  I 
was  about  to  leave  them,  I  solicited  the  attention  of  one 
young  man  to  that  object,  but  his  affections  were  alienated,- 
Many  fears  distressed  ray  mind,  and  since  1  arrived  iathis- 
place  I  learned  that  they  were  not  founded  in  fancy,  for 
the  school  is  no  more.  As  this  school,  situated  in^  my 
father's  neighborhood^  was  the  pattern  of  six  or  seven 
other  schools,  I  fear  they  will  also  suffer  a  like  fate. 

My  soul  has  been  elevated  by  some  late  tidings  fromi 
Jerusalem.  The  Jews  are  near  my  heart,  but  Jesus 
is  nearer !  I  weep  for  Israel ;  1  mourn  for  the  house 
of  Jacob.  Lord,  bring  deliverance  to  Judah,  and  let  there 
be  a  great  gathering  of  the  people  to  Immanuel.  Has  the 
Lord  a  work  for  me  to  do  in  Jerusalem  ?  Has  he  an  embas- 
sy for  me  in  that  now  benighted  land  ?  O  Jerusalem,  Jeru- 
salem, shall  I  ever  behold  thee  ?  O  city  of  the  great  King, 
shall  I  ever  worship  the  Lord  of  glory  within  thy  pre- 
cincts, and  declare  the  Gospel  to  lost  sinners  ? 

Attended  the  house  of  worship  this  da}'^;  coldly  I  went, 
indifferently  I  heard,  and  heedlessly  I  returned.  Surely 
the  Lord  must  be  angry  with  me.  O  that  he  would  look 
on  me  as  he  did  on  Peter ;  it  would  cause  my  heart  to 
bleed  and  my  eyes  to  burst  forth  in  a  flood  of  tears.  O 
Lord  God,  thou  art  able  to  subdue  my  heart  and  lead  me 


REV.    JOHN    R.     m'dOWALL.  31 

after  ihee.  Must  I  die  ?  Must  I  live  for  ever  after  death  ? 
Must  I  be  happy  or  miserable,  and  that  through  a  space  of 
time  to  which  there  is  no  end  "2  Ah,  yes— yes,  yes— it  is 
so.  O  that  the  Holy  Spirit  would  open  my  eyes,  unstop 
my  ears,  and  renew  my  heart !  It  is  vanity  in  me  to  ever 
think  of  meeting  my  God  in  peace,  so  long-  as  I  continue 
to  feed  my  fancy  with  vain  and  worldly  objects.  The  heart 
is  required  ;  not  a  small  portion  of  the  affections,  but  every 
affection.  If,  then,  I  have  one  thought  that  does  not  quad- 
rate with  God,  I  am  a  sinner ;  but  instead  of  one,  ten  thou- 
sand, I  might  add,  stain  my  garments.  Now,  as  I  know 
these  things,  the  question  arises,  am  I  willing  to  break  off 
my  sins  and  turn  unto  God  ?  Promises  are  easily  made, 
but  the  observance  is  difficult.  I  am  bound  by  former 
Vows.  These  were  not  made  by  me  before  the  world  in 
the  church  of  Christ,  but  before  God  and  angels,  and  in 
my  chamber.  Some  of  these  have  been  recorded  by  my 
own  hand ;  and,  have  I  not  reason  to  suppose,  recorded  by 
the  angels  in  light,  and  will  be  treasured  up  by  God  unto 
the  great  day  in  which  I  shall  be  judged.  Here  am  I; 
eternity  before  me  ;  Christ  no  longer  my  Prophet,  my 
Priest  and  my  Ki?ig,  but  my  Judge  ! ! ! 

April  l5^.-^It  gives  me  many,  yes,  very  many  pleasing 
thoughts  to  contemplate  on  the  ministry.  To  think  of  vi- 
siting the  tomb  where  Jesus  lay,  to  preach  the  glad  tidings 
of  great  salvation  to  the  Jews  at  Jerusalem,  fills  me  with 
joy  unspeakable  and  full  of  glory. 

O  Wolf,  thou  modern  Paul !  were  I  but  thy  fellow-la- 
borer !  But  O  I  dread  the  thought  of  dying  without  doing 
any  good  for  Jerusalem.  O  Jesus  !  may  I  do  much  good 
on  earth  before  I  am  called  home.  Suffer  me  to  trace  the 
footsteps  of  Parsons,  and  adorn  the  profession  of  a  chris- 
tian by  all  the  zeal  of  Paul,  love  of  John,  and  meekness  of 
Moses. 

Eve. — This  was  the  day  appointed  by  government  for 
a  fast.    The  dear  Mr.  Clark  unfolded  to  our  view  the  abo- 


82  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

minations  of  the  earth.  O  may  the  Lord  long  sustain  him 
to  work  faithfully  in  his  vineyard  ! 

April  4^A.— 'This  is  an  interesting  season  of  my  life< 
As  yet  I  have  not  made  a  profession  of  religion.  If  I  am  a 
disciple  of  Christ  I  should  come  out  from  the  crowd  who 
are  carelessly  treading  the  courts  of  God.  This  subject 
occupies  my  thoughts  much,  and  O  that  it  occupied  them 
more.     I  fully  believe  it  is  my  duty  to  join  the  church. 

Sabbath  morning. — It  is  dangerous  to  approach  the  Lord 
with  indifference.  We  may  learn  from  Nadab  and  Abihu. 
God  requires  the  chief  place  in  my  affections,  and  will  not 
suffer  a  rival.  It  is  just  in  God  to  do  this.  He  has  made 
us,  and  has  a  right  to  our  services. 

Eveimig. — The  motives  by  which  we  are  influenced  to 
act,  determines  the  intrinsic  merit  of  the  act. 

Benevolence  embraces  not  only  the  duty  we  owe  to  God 
and  our  neighbor,  but  also  to  ourselves.  If  I  clothe  the 
naked,  feed  the  hungrJ^  and  relieve  the  distressed,  the  act 
IS  called  benevolent.  In  the  general  acceptation  of  the 
term  it  may  be  true,  but  in  the  general  acceptation  it  is 
founded  in  error.  Self  mMsi  have  no  consideration  in  these 
acts.  I  may  do  many  acts  which  the  world  calls  virtuous, 
which  in  the  sight  of  God  may  be  abominable.  If  I  give 
to  get  a  name,  it  cannot  be  called  benevolence.  Some  are 
induced  to  make  a  profession  of  religion  to  gain  some  tem- 
poral good.  But  God  will  find  them  out.  O  how  dread- 
ful to  fall  into  the  hands  of  the  living  God  ! 

7lh,  Saturday  evening. — Attended  the  Society  of  United 
Brethren,  in  the  academy.  The  2d  chapter  of  Revelation 
was  read,  and  it  suited  our  case,  and  ought  to  have  caused 
us  to  return  to  God.  The  Scriptures  require  perfect  obe- 
dience: yet  I  believe  it  is  impossible  to  arrive  at  it  fully 
in  the  flesh.  The  Bible  tells  us  to  be  holy,  as  God  is  holy  : 
and  it  is  a  duty  to  be  so.  It  requires  the  utmost  chastity — 
chastity  that  will  extend  to  the  very  thoughts.  It  requires 
purity  of  life,  simplicity  of  manners,  and  gentleness  of  dis- 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  33 

position.  Now,  there  is  not  a  man  on  the  globe  but  breaks 
these  commands.  Now,  these  commands  being  broken,  sub- 
ject us  to  the  penalty  of  the  law,  which  is  death.  O  blessed 
be  the  name  of  Jesus,  who  has  already  paid  the  debt,  and 
ail  that  he  requires  is  that  we  should  believe. 

10^^,  Sahbatk  evening. — This  has  been  the  most  im- 
portant day  of  my  whole  life,  because  of  the  offer  I  have 
made  of  myself  to  God.  I  called  on  the  pastor  and  church 
committee,  and  being  examined  and  admitted  by  them,  was 
propounded  for  admission.  And  if  I  am  yet  a  stranger  to 
the  covenant  of  grace,  may  I  not  be  permitted  to  enter  the 
portal,  and  commit  so  abominable  a  de^d. 

May  2,  1824. — This  day  I  drew  near,  even  before  the 
altar  of  God,  and  took  the  covenant  vows  upon  myself. 
Ministers,  the  church,  the  world  witnessed.  Christ  and 
God  heard  the  solemn  vows  of  me,  a  poor  worm  of  the 
dust.  Four  dear  sisters  in  Christ  bowed  with  me,  and 
joined  the  church  of  the  living  God.  I  cannot  keep  this 
covenant  of  myself.  O  may  God  strengthen  me.  Lord,  I 
cast  myself  on  thee. 

\Sth. — My  situation  in  every  respect  is  desperate.  I 
have  but  eleven  dollars  in  my  purse,  and  am  between  three 
and  four  hundred  miles  from  home  and  friends.  As  to 
spiritual  affairs,  I  am  in  a  more  desperate  condition.  I  am 
led  away  by  temptation.  Let  me  view  my  condition  in 
whatever  light  I  will,  nothing  but  impenetrable  clouds 
hang  over  my  mind.* 

*  In  reading  the  private  journals  of  our  most  eminent  christians, 
we  generally  fin<l  much  of  this  same  dismal  strain  of  religious  depres- 
sion, which  is  by  many  made  a  virtue,  and  construed  as  a  test  of  a 
close  walk  with  God  and  deep  searchings  of  heart.  But  were  the  true 
causes  ascertained,  a  greater  part  might  be  traced  to  physical  depres- 
sion; to  the  quantity  and  quality  of  yesterday's  dinner,  to  the  relaxa- 
tion of  the  system  for  want  of  suitable  exercise,  the  closing  of  pores 
by  the  neglect  of  friction  and  cold  water,  &c.  Hence  we  see,  when 
the  subject  sets  himself  upon  a  day  of  fasting,  he  finds  himself  pro- 
bably in  twcnty.four  hours  upon  the  wings  of  the  wind.   What  is  the 


34  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

O  that  I  could  cast  myself  unreservedly  on  God  !  But  I 
fear  1  have  grieved  away  his  Holy  Spirit,  and  there  is 
nothing  but  a  fearful  looking  for  of  divine  judgment. 

The  life  of  man  is  short,  and  therefore  should  be  filled 
up  with  usefulness.  Influenced  by  this  consideration,  I 
prevailed  upon  a  number  of  little  boys  and  girls  who  were 
wasting  their  time  in  the  street  opposite  my  window,  to  com- 
mit portions  of  sacred  Scripture  to  memory,  and  recite  them 
to  me.  One  little  girl  came  twice  to  my  room,  and  recited 
both  times.  At  night  I  gave  them  tickets,  which  seemed 
to  elate  them  much.  They  all  promised  to  attend  in  the 
morning.  O  that  God  would  sanctify  the  instruction  to 
their  salvation ! 

19/A. — Went  to  help  my  fellow-students  plant  a  mis- 
sionary field.  Was  obliged  to  retire,  being  completely 
overcome  by  fatigue.  Fear  that  we  cannot  have  the  bless- 
ing of  the  Lord  upon  it,  as  we  did  not  first  publicly  ask 
God's  blessing  upon  our  intended  labor,  which  I  pro- 
posed ;  and  secondly,  because  levity  was  a  general  trait 
of  our  conduct  whilst  there. 

Evening. — My  class  has  increased  to  ten  or  twelve.  I 
hope  some  good  may  be  done  in  the  name  of  Jesus.  I  feel 
much  interested  for  one  little  boy  ;  while  I  was  talking  he 
burst  into  tears  and  could  hardly  be  pacified.  After  I  dis- 
missed the  class  I  detained  him  and  said, 

*'  If  you  love  Jesus  he  will  save  you.  Jesus  loves  little 
boys." 

He  left  me,  wiping  tears  from  his  eyes  and  fetching 
now  and  then  a  heavy  sob.  O  that  it  might  be  a  savor  of 
life  unto  his  soul.  Jesus,  he  is  in  thy  hand;  O  save  his 
soul  and  make  him  a  polished  stone  in  thy  spiritual 
building ! 

cause  ?  It  is  not  infidelity  to  answer,  a  spiiitual  and  a  natural  one. 
A  spiritual  one,  because  God  blesses  the  means  of  cleansing  the  body 
that  the  spirit  may  have  free  course  ;  and  a  natural  one,  because  ihe 
body  is  cleansed,  and  the  spirit  can  run  and  be  glorified. 


REV.    JOHN    R.    M  DOWALL.  35 

2'Zd. — I  have  much  reason  to  doubt  my  conversion  to 
God.  I  bring  forth  bad  fruits  ;  must  I  not  then  conclude 
the  tree  is  bad?  I  have  made  a  profession  of  religion.  Be- 
fore I  performed  that  solemn  transaction  I  was  occasion- 
ally tempted ;  but  now  my  temptations  are  much  greater 
than  they  were  before.  I  have  yielded  to  temptations,  and 
my  heart  is  now  hard.  I  need  much  to  reclaim  me.  0 
how  shall  I  be  fitted  to  enter  his  courts  to-morrow?  How 
can  I  praise  him  ?  will  it  not  be  mockery?  I  dare  not  pray. 
1  must  tell  my  case  to  some  of  the  brethren  and  ask  their 
prayers.    God  will  hear  them. 

Evening. — Am  quite  indisposed.  I  have  brou^rht  it 
upon  myself  by  my  evil  walk.  Yet  my  heart  is  still  hard, 
and  bows  not  before  the  King  of  saints.  Righteous  and 
just  would  God  be  to  send  my  body  to  the  grave  and  mv 
soul  to  hell. 

July.  Sabbath. — I  have  just  returned  from  communion. 
How  I  long  for  the  salvation  of  God  !  How  glorious  are 
the  realities  of  the  upper  world  !  There  angels  tune  their 
harps  in  sacred  melody ;  seraphs  worship  before  the 
throne,  bearing  censers  in  their  hands.  Here  we  see 
through  a  glass  darkly.  There  other  scenes  shall  be  de- 
veloped. The  misery  of  the  abode  of  darkness  will  burst 
upon  our  vision,  and  we  shall  roll  beneath  devouring  bil- 
lows, clanking  our  heavy  chains:  or  from  Pisgah's  top  we 
shall  scale  the  world  of  bliss  ;  and,  in  sweet  union  with  our 
Lord,  enjoy  him  for  ever. 

#  #  #  #  ♦  # 

He  expresses  in  this  part  of  his  journal  much  attach- 
ment to  his  room-mate,  Mr.  Barnes,  and  writes, 

"  With  this  gentleman  I  spent  one  quarter,  as  a  room- 
mate, whilst  at  the  Academy  in  Amherst.  I  trust  our 
hearts  are  united  by  a  strong  tie,  yea,  stronger  than  death, 
O  that  I  may  often  remember  the  days  we  have  spent  to- 
gether !" 


36  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

CHAPTER  VI. 


Entrance  at  College— New  dangers  and  new  resolutions— Ptayers  for 
his  father— for  his  mother — for  his  sister  and  brothers— for  the 
church — Sore  temptations — solicitude  to  understand  the  Bible — 
Conscientiousness — New-Year's  meditations — Excessive  study — 
Excursion— Revivals— Sickness — Recovery — Destitution— Relief — 
A  precious  season — Thoughts  of  home  and  kindred — Close  of  the 
term — Self-examination — Commencement — Prayer  for  a  revival  in 
College — Labors  iu  South  Hadley,  Granby,  and  Southampton — 
Exhortations  to  professors — Preparations  to  enter  another  insti- 
tution. 

Ainherst  College. — A  new  era  opens  upon  me.  I  have 
passed  through  the  primary  school  and  Academy,  but  not 
in  regular  succession,  without  considerable  time  elapsing 
between  my  studies.  Here  I  must  commence  a  higher 
course — mingle  with  more  refined  scholars,  more  zealous 
christians,  than  have  ever  before  fallen  to  my  lot ;  and,  as 
a  matter  of  course,  new  temptations  will  arise  and  hurry 
me  into  sin,  unless  I  live  near  to  the  living  God.  It  now 
shall  be  my  resolution  to  enter  on  a  system  more  rigid, 
and  abide  more  closely  to  it,  than  I  have  heretofore  done. 

Sej)t.  1824.  Sabbath. — When  I  have  done  my  duty  in 
any  respect,  I  feel  myself  to  be  amply  remunerated.  Je- 
sus says,  a  servant  is  not  worthy  of  better  treatment  than 
his  master  ;  and  asking  if  a  servant  does  his  duty,  whether 
he  is  worthy  of  thanks,  concludes  by  saying,  "  I  trow  not." 
But  I  do  feel  as  though  I  did  receive  the  approbation  of 
my  Father  in  heaven,  when  I  make  the  statutes  of  God  the 
man  of  my  counsel  and  the  guide  of  my  youth.  O  happy 
soul,  whose  anchor  is  cast  in  heaven  !  Faith  is  thy  cable ; 
hope  is  thy  ship ;  charity  is  thy  companion  ;  Jesus  is  thy 
Friend,  thy  Prophet,  thy  Priest,  and  thy  God. 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  37 

PRAYERS 

For  my  father  in  the  morning^  mother  at  noon,  brothers 
and  sister  at  night ;  together  with  the  church. 

O  Lord,    shine  upon  my  father,  and  let  him  see  thy 
glory.     Be  with  him  this  holy  day.     Let  thy  Holy  Spirit 
guide  him  in  all  his  duties.     May  he  rise  this  morning  in 
thy  fear.     May  he  teach  his  children  and  his  household 
that  the  fear  of  God  is  the  beginning  of  wisdom.     Enable 
him  to  set  a  godly  example  before  them.    Bless  him  in  his 
charge  as  a  watchman.     Make  him  faithful ;  endue  him 
with  wisdom  ;  anoint  him  with  the  oil  of  gladness,  that  he 
may  worship  before  thee  in  spirit  and  in  truth.    Make  him 
a  blessing  to  his  people.     Let  thy  work  be  revived  in  his 
congregation.    Edify  thy  people  under  his  preaching,  and 
cause  that  sinners  may  be  pricked  in  their  hearts.     Bless 
him  in  his  house.    May  he  see  his  partner  in  life  become 
a  polished  stone  in  thy  spiritual  building.    May  he  see  his 
children  accepted  of  God,  and  walking  in  the  ways  of  ho- 
liness.   Let  him  be  at  peace  with  all  men.    May  his  days 
be  many,  and  filled  up  with  duty.    May  his  death  be  tran- 
quil, and  that  Gospel  which  he  preaches  to  others  be  a  sa- 
vor of  life  to  his  own  soul.     Gather  him  to  thy  church  tri- 
umphant after  death,  and  crown  him  with  souls  he  has 
been  instrumental  in  saving.     Amen,  Amen. 

Noon, — 0  Lord  God,  enable  me  to  come  into  thy  holy 
Majesty's  presence  with  faith  and  humility  that  I  may  plead 
with  thee  for  my  mother.  Lord,  thou  knowest  that  she  is 
not  united  with  thy  people,  and  therefore  must  be  con- 
sidered as  against  thee.  Thou  knowest  whether  she  is 
yet  in  the  bonds  of  iniquity  or  not.  Her  conduct,  her  se- 
cret affections,  and  her  heart  are  known  unto  thee.  Grant, 
O  most  merciful  Father,  that  thine  Holy  Spirit  may  rest 
upon  her.    Renew  her  heart,  and  form  Christ  within  her, 

4 


38  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

the  hope  of  glory.  Seal  her  for  thine  own,  that  thine  ho- 
nor may  be  exalted  in  her  salvation.  Thou  hast  given 
her  oneof  thy  ambassadors  for  a  consort,  and  blessed  their 
union  with  a  large  family  of  children.  Now,  O  most 
merciful  Father,  would  it  not  strengthen  his  hands  and 
cheer  his  heart  to  see  that  God  had  blessed  and  sanctified 
his  partner,  and  would  he  not  be  enabled  to  serve  thee  in 
his  day  and  generation  in  a  more  acceptable  manner  ? 
Then  would  she  be  a  friend  to  him  when  he  is  walking 
through  the  darkness  and  shadow  of  affliction;  then  would 
she  train  up  her  children  in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of 
the  Lord  ;  then  would  the  Lord's  name  be  exalted,  and 
the  angels  rejoice  because  of  the  repentance  of  one  sinner. 
Amen, 

Night. — In  thy  holy  presence.  Father  of  light  and  truth, 
would  I  now  appear  in  behalf  of  my  sister  and  brothers 
They  are  descended  from  the  same  parents,  and  bound  to 
the  same  judgment.  Thou  hast,  as  I  hope,  enabled  me  to 
trust  in  thy  mercy,  and,  Lord,  wilt  thou  not  have  compas- 
sion on  them  also  ?  They  are  not  such  old  and  haidened 
sinners  as  I  am.  Their  days  are  few.  Health  blooms  in 
their  features,  and  wisdom  is  discovered  in  their  speech  ; 
and  shall  not  this  wisdom  and  youth  be  spent  in  thy  ser- 
vice ?  O  Lord,  let  not  thy  servant,  their  father,  go  down  to 
the  grave  without  seeing  them  walking  with  Jesus  in  the 
regeneration.  Wilt  thou  be  pleased  to  pour  out  thy  Spirit 
upon  them.  Forgive  their  sins,  sanctify  their  hearts,  re- 
new their  spirits.  Make  them  a  praise  in  the  earth,  and 
polished  stones  in  thy  building. 

The  Church. — Lord,  shine  upon  thy  church.  Awaken 
her  energies,  arouse  her  sleeping  faculties.  Mercifully 
behold  this  part  of  thy  sleeping  vineyard.  Build  thou  the 
walls  of  Jerusalem  and  repair  her  breaches.  Make  all 
thy  watchmen  faithful.  Put  a  song  of  redeeming  grace 
into  the  mouths  of  thy  children,  and  bring  them  home  with 
everlastin""  joy  upon  their  heads.     Lord,  behold  a  sinful 


39 

world.  Let  thy  light  shine  upon  it,  and  thy  honor  be  made 
a  praise  in  the  whole  earth.  Comfort  the  afflicted  mour- 
ners !  Supply  the  wants  of  the  destitute.  Be  the  widow's 
husband,  the  father  of  the  fatherless,  the  stay  of  the  aged, 
and  guide  of  the  youth.  Hear,  for  the  Redeemer's  sake. 
Amen.* 

Wednesday,  College  vacatmi,  1824. — As  I  was  reflect- 
ing this  morning  on  my  past  life,  the  scene  which  I  once 
beheld  of  a  man  who  had  put  an  end  to  his  life,  fixed  so 
deep  an  impression  on  my  mind  as  to  cause  pain  and  hor- 
ror. Satan  embraced  the  favorable  moment,  and  I  was  most 
cruelly  tempted  to  follow  his  example.  Conscience  was 
soon  alive  to  a  sense  of  duty.  I  cast  myself  at  a  Savior's 
feet,  and  found  relief  O  wretched  man  that  I  am  !  How 
polluted  in  all  my  affections  ! !  !  Lord,  wash  me  as  thou 
didst  Peter.  Save  me  in  temptation,  and  hold  me  in  readi- 
ness for  death.  Never  leave  me,  for  I  cannot  go  alone. 
Like  an  infant,  I  need  the  leading-strings  of  love. 

Sabbath  even  big. — Oppressed  by  solicitude,  I  flew  to  a 
commentary  for  a  solution  of  difficult  passages ;  but  only 
finding  doubt  there,  recourse  is  had  to  a  friend  ;  but  still 
doubt,  cruel  and  overwhelming,  resumes  her  wonted  rigor, 
and  I  am  left  in  confusion.  From  this  may  I  learn  to  con- 
sult my  Bible,  and  see  what  kind  of  a  disposition  Jesus  had, 
and  then  apply  the  investigation  to  my  own  case  and  see 
whether  I  possess  the  same  spirit ;  for  he  who  has  not  the 
spirit  of  Christ,  is  none  of  his. 

Sabbath,  October  2Sth,  1824. — This  morning  a  young 
man  called  on  me  for  liberty  to  hone  the  razor  of  his  friend 
on  my  strap.     Consistent  with  my  profession,  such  an  act 

*  These  prayers  are  not  recorded  as  any  thing  original  in  thought  or 
phraseology,  but  as  specimens  of  the  ardent  breathings  of  his  soul,  not 
only  for  his  kindred  according  to  the  flesh,  but  for  the  whole  world  ; 
and  should  the  eyes  of  his  aged  parents  meet  these  memoirs,  they  may 
read,  with  weeping  satisfaction,  the  longings  of  his  soul  for  their  future 
well-being,  when  in  his  secret  chamber  he  penned  these  pious  petitions. 


40  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

could  by  no  means  be  permitted.  The  young  gentlemaia 
was  informed  that  no  objections  could  exist  on  another  day 
to  his  honing  the  razor  twice,  but  that  he  had  unhappily 
chosen  an  improper  time  to  call  for  such  a  favor. 

How  strange  that  man  should  be  so  forgetful  of  his 
character,  duty,  and  obligation  to  God,  as  to  make  the 
Sabbath  a  day  for  the  accomplishment  of  such  purposes. 
Lord,  deliver  me  from  sin  and  regenerate  my  soul. 

Evening. — O  for  a  closer  walk  with  God.  Attended 
an  evening  meeting.  Solemnity  prevailed.  I  could  not 
resist  speaking  a  few  words  to  my  dying  fellow-mortals. 
My  style  and  my  manner  may  offend  a  critic's  ear,  but  if  it 
is  acceptable  to  my  heavenly  Father,  why  should  I  regard 
the  sneer  of  those  whose  affections  are  unholy,  and  whom 
a  polished  harangue  delights  more  than  a  spiritual  address  ? 

One  of  our  fellow-students  is  deprived  of  his  reason,  and 
confined  to  the  room.  His  life  is  apparently  drawing  to  a 
close.  It  is  a  solemn  lesson  to  us.  We  were  very  cold, 
and  spiritually  dead  before. 

December  20lh,  1824. — The  term  has  drawn  to  a  close. 
In  health  we  commenced  our  studies,  but  ere  thirteen  short 
weeks  were  gone  by,  one  of  our  fellow-students  of  the  union 
class  is  no  more.  Poor  Haslet  (for  that  was  his  name) 
had  been  indisposed  for  several  days.  He  quit  study,  and 
left  college,  in  hopes  of  returning  with  invigorated  health. 
The  day  that  preceded  the  evening  on  which  his  spirit 
fled,  he  observed  to  the  president,  his  hope  of  soon  recom- 
mencing the  studies  of  his  class  was  brightening.  On  the 
same  evening  he  observed  to  one  of  the  family  that  he 
thought  he  should  pass  a  comfortable  night.  O  how  little 
did  poor  Haslet  think  that  was  to  be  his  last  night !  Ere 
the  darkness  of  that  night  had  passed  away,  the  realities 
of  eternity  opened  on  his  view. 


REV.    JOHN    R.    MBOVVALL.  41 

January,  1825. — The  commencement  of  a  new  3'earPis 
calculated  to  awaken  every  dormant  feeling.  The  moral 
influence  which  we  have  exerted  on  the  church  and  the 
community  leaves  a  bitter  portion,  and  we  must  drink  it, 
though  the  heart  calls  for  mirth  and  sportiveness.  Ingra- 
titude takes  a  prominent  stand  in  the  catalogue  of  our 
crimes*  Ambition  and  worldly-mindedness,  those  heretical 
doctrines  which  have  so  long  infected  the  church,  also  ap- 
pear in  dread  array*  O  how  little  sensible  have  we  been 
cf  the  intrinsic  worth  of  time!  Time,  like  the  swift  ship, 
passes  away,  or  flies  like  an  eagle  fixed  on  its  prey-  Soon 
.shall  we  look  through  the  veil  w^iich  now  obscures  the 
invisible  Vv'orld,  where  stability  is  stamped  on  every  object. 
Read  part  of  the  life  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Parsons,  the  Palestine 
missionary.  What  a  devoted  student  and  christian  !  O 
that  I  could  step  in  his  track  so  far  as  he  did  in  that  of  his 
Master. 

January  {7th,  1825. — Being  poorly  fitted  for  college 
when  I  entered,  it  therefore  became  me  to  study  with  more 
diligence  and  closer  application  than  my  feeble  frame 
eould  bear,  that  I  might  overcome  the  defect  and  acquire 
all  the  knowledge  possible.  To  do  this  I  not  only  studied 
the  appointed  hours,  but  often  until  two  in  the  morning. 
The  tutor  called  me  into  his  room  and  reasoned  against 
it,  observing  that  I  should  displease  the  faculty  and  ruin 
my  health ;  but  my  insatiable  thirst  for  knowledge  barr- 
ed all  conviction  of  its  truth.  I  continued  the  same 
practice  during  the  first  part  of  the  vacation,  fnd  studied 
with  closer  application  than  before.  Experience  soon  taught 
me  that  the  tutor's  remarks  were  perfectly  correct.  My 
health  failed,  and  the  sight  of  a  classical  book  had  no  more 
-charms.  Thus  necessity  obliged  me  to  take  a  short  excur* 
sion  to  recruit  my  decayed  health,  I  visited  a  number  of 
the  towns  adjacent  to  this.  In  some  I  learned  that  our  God 
was  doing  mighty  things  for  Zion.  O  how  glorious  is  the 
march  0^  truth  and  grace !  Zion  shall  prosper,  and  the 
4* 


42 

Lord  be  glorified  in  the  salvation  of  many  souls,  as  well  as 
in  the  display  of  his  justice  in  the  eternal  condemnation  of 
many.  This  little^  relaxation  has  been  as  a  balm  to  my 
soul.  I  feel  refreshed  in  spirit.  My  hope  is  brighter,  my 
joys  greater,  and  my  confidence  in  Christ  strengthened. 

Amherst  College,  January  Z\st,  1825. — The  students 
are  returning.  Some  are  rejoicing  in  hope,  while  others 
appear  gay  and  thoughtless ;  another  class  still  more  use- 
less to  society,  are  those  who  squander  time,  pollute  the  mo- 
rals, destroy  peace,  and  prepare  for  an  eternal  weight  of 
misery. 

February  20th,  1824. — I  have  much  cause  for  gratitude 
and  humiliation.  While  pursuing  my  studies  with  suc- 
cess and  delight,  the  Lord  laid  his  hand  upon  me,  and 
brought  me  near  to  the  gates  of  death.  On  Friday  I  at- 
tempted recitation,  as  usual,  until  eleven  P.  M.  At  half 
past  one  I  was  taken  ill,  and  confined  to  bed.  The  doctor 
called  and  gave  medicine.  Am  now  almost  restored  to 
health.  Hope  to  be  able  to  attend  to  study  the  following 
week.  In  my  illness  found  kind  friends.  Fear  that  I 
shall  not  be  sufficiently  grateful. 

February  27th. — I  feel  destitute  of  gold  and  silver ;  of 
them  I  have  none  that  I  can  call  my  own  at  this  moment. 
But  I  find  some  friends  who  pity  my  case,  and  are  not 
slow  to  relieve  my  wants.  Among  these  Professor  Fisk 
stands  pre-eminent.  He  took  me  by  the  hand  when  others 
stood  at  a  distance,  and  said,  *'  I  will  see  that  you  want  for 
nothing."  While  feeble  in  body  and  depressed  in  spirits, 
and  fearing  the  worst,  it  gave  an  impetus  to  my  hope  to 
which  I  had  long  been  a  stranger. 

Thus  does  the  Lord  raise  up  friends,  at  an  unexpected 
hour,  to  supply  the  necessities  of  the  indigent. 

To  feel  due  gratitude,  cherish  benevolence,  and  cultivate 
humility,  should  be  my  greatest  desire. 

Sabbath  morning. — Serenely  the  sun  rose,  and  spread  a 
charm  over  the  landscape.    It  was  enchanting,  and  filled 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'doWALL.  43 

my  soul  with  ecstacy  and  delight :  the  hills  exhibiting  an 
amphitheatre,  clothed  in  the  white  robes  of  winter ;  the 
valleys,  bursting  from  the  icy  fetters  of  winter,  present  the 
prospect  of  life  struggling  for  existence;  the  rivulets,  mur- 
muring and  groaning  under  the  spongy  ice  for  freedom, 
indicated  a  new  resurrection  of  nature.  While  ruminating 
on  this  pleasant  prospect,  the  tolling  bell  summoned  the 
worshipers  of  God  to  the  table  of  the  eucharist. 

The  mediation  of  Christ,  the  exaltation  of  the  church 
at  his  right  hand,  the  justice  and  mercy  of  God,  were  sub- 
jects to  vi^hich  oui*  attention  was  called.  How  pleasant  the 
sight  when  hundreds  acknowledge  their  sins,  and  gather 
around  the  table  of  their  ascended  Savior  to  express  peni- 
tence, confidence,  and  hope.  Then  the  veil  of  oblivion 
draws  her  shroud  over  the  foibles,  prejudices,  and  passions 
of  our  nature.  The  soul,  elevating  its  desires,  holds  sweet 
converse  with  the  happy  spirits  of  departed  ages,  and  feels 
the  renewed  energies  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

In  the  evening  visited  the  Southern  Church  in  Amherst. 
It  was  a  profitable  evening. 

It  is  a  long  time  since  I  heard  from  Canada.  O  how  are 
my  dear  relations?  Have  they  forgotten  that  I  am  their 
kinsman  ?  I  long  to  see  my  dear  parents.  O  how  I  long 
to  see  thee,  my  dear  mother ;  and  thou,  my  father.  O  my 
sister  Sarah,  could  I  but  see  thee  my  heart  would  be  satis- 
fied. O  my  brothers  Ebenezer,  James,  Daniel,  and  Robert, 
I  yearn  upon  your  remembrance.  My  dear  relations  and 
friends,  whom  I  have  just  recapitulated,  at  your  remem- 
brance the  happy  days  that  are  passed  rush  into  my  mind  : 
the  association  of  kind  expressions  which  were  so  boun- 
tifully bestowed  on  me,  and  the  time,  manner,  and  circum- 
stances attending  them,  add  an  intensity  to  the  desire.  Fare- 
well recollections,  sweet  to  the  soul.  Farewell,  for  I  can- 
not see  them.  Ontario  rolls  its  noisy  waves,  and  loud  and 
piercing  winds  whistle  between  us. 

Sabbath  morning. — The  bell  is  tolling:  how  pleasantly 


44  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

do  its  repeating  sounds  fall  upon  the  ear  !  The  children 
of  the  bride-chamber  meet  around  the  altar  of  their  as- 
cended Lord.  The  thoughtless  multitude  meet  with  them. 
Soon  the  service  will  be  ended,  and  each  retire  from  the 
house  of  God:  the  one  edified  by  the  sermon — encouraged 
by  its  exhortations  to  persevere  in  a  life  of  holiness;  the 
other  hardened  by  the  truths  they  heard. 

Evening. — The  sacrament  was  administered  to-day. 
The  college  students  in  good  standing  in  other  churches 
celebrated  the  day  with  the  church.  Happy  souls,  who 
know  by  sweet  experience  what  it  is  to  be  mem.bers  of 
Christ's  mystical  body. 

The  college  term  is  closed.  It  is  the  second  of  my  first 
year.  With  force  may  the  question  come  home  to  me,  of, 
What  have  I  done  to  promote  my  Savior's  cause  ? 

To  this  with  propriety  may  be  added,  have  I  made  any 
advancement  in  the  christian  life? 

Absorbed  in  classical  researches,  and  perplexed  \vith 
mathematical  demonstrations  or  algebraic  solutions,  the 
dove-like  spirit  of  the  dear  Emanuel  is  only  cherished 
when  nature  is  invigorated  by  balmy  sleep. 

*  *  #  #  *  T<f 

Jwne  5th,  1825. — The  college  term  commenced  last 
Wednesday.  Many  of  the  students  spent  their  time  in 
revivals.  An  unusual  degree  of  devotion  now  appears, 
but  this  ardor  will  decline  unless  we  live  very  near  to 
God.  I  think  I  shall  spend  a  portion  of  each  day  in  prayer 
for  a  revival  in  college. 

I  do  feel  as  if  I  could  plead  the  promises  of  Christ. 
One  Sabbath  I  spent  in  South  Hadley,  five  in  Granby,  and 
nine  in  South  Hampton.  I  visited  about  seventy  profes- 
sors, pressing  on  them  the  necessity  of  prayer  and  uni- 
formity of  character.  I  conversed  with  a  few  impenitent 
sinners,  but  professors  were  my  object. 

How  important  that  I  should  watch  OYcr  my  own  heart 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  45 

and  conduct,  lest,  by  an  unguarded  word,  feeling,  or  ac- 
tion, I  should  inflict  a  deeper  wound  on  the  cause  I  have 
been  striving  to  promote,  than  all  the  good  I  can  ever  do, 

July,  Sabbath  tvening. — Arose  this  morning  quite  in- 
disposed ;  regretted  the  imperious  necessity  of  absenting 
myself  from  the  morning  service.  The  fatigue  of  intense 
study  rests  upon  me  with  an  overpowering  force,  realiz- 
ing the  truth  of  "much  study  being  a  weariness  to  the 
flesh." 

My  connections  with  this  college  are  now  almost  at  an 
end.  One  year  I  have  spent  in  a  very  agreeable  manner 
here,  but  I  now  shall  enter  another  institution,  and  I  fear 
quite  the  reverse  of  this  in  respect  to  the  moral  character 
of  the  students.  I  hope  I  may  be  enabled  to  set  a  godly 
example  before  them,  and  lead  many  to  take  knowledge  of 
me  that  I  have  been  with  Jesus.  I  need  to  follow  such  a 
course  very  much ;  it  would  help  to  lay  a  powerful  re- 
straint on  my  passions,  open  to  my  view  the  future  charac- 
ter which  I  shall  need  to  sustain,  and  subject  to  my  more 
close  examination  the  passions  that  rule  the  heart. 


CHAPTER   VII. 


Funeral — Conversation  with  a  colored  man — Thoughts  on  prayer — 
Colleges — Sunday  school — poor  health — depravity  of  man — visits 
among  the  unconverted — opposition — objections  refuted — deter- 
mination to  go  forward. 

January,  1826. — A  New- Year's  day.  I  attended  the 
Sabbath  school  in  the  Dutch  church.  In  the  afternoon  a 
poor  African  invited  me  to  call  at  the  house  of  her  friend 
and  make  a  prayer.  Her  friend  was  dead.  In  compliance  I 


46  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

called  at  the  hour.  About  fifty  colored  people  had  assem- 
bled. We  sung  and  prayed.  Deep  interest  appeared  to 
be  taken  in  the  meeting.  I  had  lately  established  a  prayer- 
meeting  among  them,  and  delivered  several  lectures. 
This  occasion  afforded  an  opportunity  of  administering  ad- 
vice. It  was  joyfully  embraced.  The  poor  blacks  hung 
on  my  lips  for  the  falling  words.  Tears  flowed.  In  the 
street,  a  few  hours  after,  I  saw  a  black  man.  He  had  been 
present.    He  stopped  and  spake  to  me. 

"Well,"  said  he,  "you  lectured  very  plain.  We  all 
understood  you.     I  feel  to  go  to  Jesus." 

With  this  poor  black  I  had  conversed  in  college.  He 
is  a  college  servant.    One  day  he  called  at  my  room. 

"  Take  a  seat,"  said  I. 

He  took  it  and  began  to  talk  of  college  concerns.  I  di- 
rected his  attention  to  Jesus. 

''  Are  you  prepared  to  die  ?*' 

"  No,"  he  replied,  with  an  openness  of  heart  that  would 
have  graced  an  Englishman. 

To  the  next  inquiry,  "  Are  you  easy,  then  ?"  he  observed, 

"  I  sometimes  think  of  death  and  I  am  afraid." 

"  Are  you  contented  to  remain  so  ?" 

"  I  don't  know  that  I  am." 

"  You  are  sitting  on  a  chair :  if  it  had  a  glass  bottom, 
and  spikes  under  that  glass,  the  bottom  would  break  if  it 
were  no  thicker  than  a  pane  of  glass,  and  you  would  fall 
upon  the  spikes." 

"  Yes,"  said  the  black  man. 

"  More  brittle  than  glass  is  your  life  ;  under  you,  more 
terrible  than  sharpened  spikes,  lies  a  burning  hell.  O  will 
you  go  to  the  Savior  ?  He,  and  he  alone,  can  save  you 
from  such  a  burning  hell.  Pray  to  God  to  have  mercy  on 
you.  Repent  of  sin  and  believe  on  Jesus,  and  he  will  save 
you.     Did  you  ever  pray  ?" 

"  Yes,  I  pray  every  day  !" 

"  Think  one  moment :  if  a  man  should  enter  your  house 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'doWALL,  47 

and  call  you  a  thief  and  liar,  and  then  should  beat  you, 
would  you  not  beat  him,  and  turn  him  out  of  the  house?' 

"  Yes." 

"  Then  you  would  punish  him!" 

"  Yes." 

"  You  pray  God  to  forgive  your  sins,  as  you  forgive 
that  man.  You  punish  the  man  forabusing  you,  therefore 
you  pray  God  to  punish  you  !" 

*'Yes,  it  is  so,"  frankly  replied  the  man ;  "  I  never  thought 
of  it  before." 

Union   College,  New- York. 

Sabbath  morning,  January  I5ih,  1826. — Prayer  is  plea- 
sant because  it  is  a  communion  of  spirits.  The  great 
Spirit  breathes  upon  the  soul  of  man.  Man's  soul  being 
thus  warmed  and  filled  with  holy  affections,  is  influenced 
to  acts  of  devotion.  It  is  profitable.  On  those  who  call 
upon  God,  the  choicest  blessings  descend.  In  the  smiles 
of  his  countenance  they  share  largely.  Both  pleasant  and 
profitable  have  1  found  prayer.  In  hours  of  darkness,  it 
has,  like  faith,  been  a  channel  of  conveyance  to  my  spirit — 
a  conveyance  of  light.  In  hours  of  trouble,  it  has  restored 
serenity  of  mind. 

But  my  prayers  have  been  answered,  not  only  for  my. 
self,  but,  having  plead  for  particular  relations,  those  rela- 
tions reaped  the  rich  blessing,  too,  in  the  order  that  I  ob- 
served at  the  throne  of  grace  on  their  behalf.  These  re- 
lations were  a  tender  mother,  an  affectionate  and  only 
sister,  with  a  brother  arrived  to  years  of  manhood. 

Sabbath  evening. — I  have  a  fine  class  of  boys  in  the 
Dutch  church.  O  that  the  Spirit  of  God  would  breathe 
upon  them.  Holy  Father,  take  these  tender  plants,  water 
them  with  the  dew  of  Hermon.  Let  no  "  wild  boar  of  the 
wood  devour  them."  Hereafter  let  them  become  lights  in 
the  church.  It  is  about  four  months  since  I  arrived  at 
Schenectady,  and  took  my  stand  as  sophomore  at  Union 


48  MEMOIR    or    THE 

College.  My  freshman  year  was  spent  at  Amherst  Col- 
lege. Reluctantly  I  left  that  college.  Its  character  is  high- 
ly respectable  for  an  institution  of  so  late  an  origin.  Its 
course  of  studies  is  equal  to  Yale,  but  there  is  a  deficiency 
in  some  of  the  philosophical  apparatus.  It  is  a  charitable 
institution.  To  the  education  of  indigent  and  pious  young 
men  it  is  devoted.  This  class  have  as  yet  composed  the 
major  part  of  its  pupils.  In  some  respects  the  institution 
is  swayed  by  the  force  of  moral  principle,  and  indeed  in 
no  public  scientific  school  does  principle  exert  a  more 
salutary  influence.  Its  situation,  though  inconvenient  in 
some  respects,  is  on  the  whole  good.  Built  on  an  elevated 
ground,  it  is  healthy  and  commands  an  extensive  prospect. 

My  removal  to  this  college  has  been  for  my  good.  It 
appeared  otherwise  at  first,  but  the  ways  of  God  are  not 
our  ways.  Behind  the  curtain  of  his  providence  events 
the  most  contrary  to  our  expectation  are  generally  conceal- 
ed. In  the  case  of  my  removal  it  was  peculiarly  so.  Be- 
sides an  extensive  field  being  opened  before  me  to  lecture 
every  week  in  different  places,  the  Sunday  school  in  the 
Dutch  church  was  in  a  very  low  state.  To  raise  its  reputa- 
tion, I  have  exerted  myself.  Complete  success  has  attended 
my  exertions.  The  school  has  more  than  doubled  in  scho- 
lars. Party  vice  I  discarded.  Wherefore  I  became  an  ad- 
vocate for  all  the  Sunday  schools  in  the  city.  And  this 
evening,  as  I  sit  by  my  stove,  musing  and  writing,  I  feel  an 
exquisite  delight,  when  I  reflect  that  many  a  boy  is  now 
reaping  the  advantages  of  divine  instruction,  who,  three 
months  ago,  was  strolling  the  streets  and  profaning  the 
Lord's  day.  A  new  field  opens  to  me.  To  God  I  would 
feel  grateful.     It  is  his  doings. 

Sabbath^  Januarij,  1826. — I  have  been  unwell;  my 
health  has  been  feeble  since  the  evening  I  met  with  the 
Sabbath  school  teachers.  I  would  express  my  gratitude 
for  the  abatement  of  the  influenza.  Prudence  forbids  an 
attendance  on  divine  worship.    This  is  a  denial.    In  God's 


REV.    JOHN    R.    M  DOWALL.  49 

holy  word,  however,  I  find  great  delight.  But  0  my 
class  !  it  will  be  taught  by  a  young  man  who  is  not  pious. 
He  possesses  much  activity,  and  if  his  affections  were  re- 
newed by  the  Holy  Spirit,  he  would  become  a  bright  or- 
nament to  our  holy  religion. 

Sabbath  evening. — Although  I  could  not  meet  my  Sa- 
vior in  his  earthly  courts,  I  was  cheered  by  some  comfort- 
ing passages  of  Scripture.  But  the  depravity  of  man,  as 
illustrated  by  the. sacred  penman,  in  cases  of  both  private 
and  public  individuals,  has  stamped  on  moral  character 
a  stain  of  the  most  deadly  nature.  No  sooner  had  Israel 
passed  through  the  Red  Sea,  or  forded  Jordan,  and  taken 
possession  of  Canaan,  than  the  voice  of  murmuring  in  the 
former  instance  is  heard,  and  the  act  of  rebellion  in  the 
latter  is  committed.  David  too,  that  man  of  God's  own 
heart,  in  an  unguarded  hour  was  beguiled  to  the  commis- 
sion of  a  foul  deed.  And  in  the  case  of  Saul,  advanced  to 
the  kingly  office,  envy  paved  the  way  for  necromancy  to 
exert  a  powerful  influence  over  his  imagination.  Such, 
alas  !    is  sinful  man. 

Saturday,  February. — I  visited  twenty-nine  families. 
The  interest  of  the  soul  was  the  subject.  One  poor  sinner 
shed  tears.  In  the  eyes  of  another  stood  the  big  drop,  as  I 
opened  to  him  the  Scriptures.  Three  are  serious,  and  one 
is  living  in  self-righteousness. 

Saturday. — Visited  twenty-nine  families,  and  distributed 
Tracts  among  them.  Made  provision  for  a  distribution  of 
Tracts  in  the  country.  These  Tracts  are  well  received, 
and  give  an  access  to  the  feelings  of  many.  One  of  these 
poor  inquirers  has  a  comfortable  hope.  She  is  one  of  those 
I  mentioned  on  Saturday  last. 

Saturday  evening. — I  went  to  Albany,  and  returned  this 
day.  Called  on  a  christian  brother ;  our  souls  were  warm- 
ed by  the  Spirit ;  had  two  prayers,  and  parted.  I  find  two 
objections  are  urged  against  my  exertions  in  this  city  to 
promote  my  Master's  cause — First,  mj  poverty,  and  second, 

5 


50  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

its  involving'  an  improprielj/.  Bui  as  to  poccrlj/,  the  ob- 
jection is  untenable.  Jesus  had  not  where  t.o  lay  his  head. 
Is  it  strange,  then,  that  his  followers  should  not  be  clothed 
in  royal  apparel?  I  grant  the  truth  of  the  assertion,  but 
deny  its  applicability.  True,  I  am  the  son  of  a  laborious 
missionary,  who  lives  upon  the  avails  of  manual  exertion, 
having  consequently  but  little  to  devote,  after  the  mainte- 
nance of  his  family,  to  his  absent  son.  But  blessed  be  thy 
name,  O  Jesus,  that  the  advancement  of  thy  kingdom  does 
not  wholly  depend  upon  the  labors  of  the  rich. 

As  to  the  impropriety,  divines  have  approved  of  my  con- 
duct, and  said  further,  it  was  a  duty  incumbent  on  me. 
Another  objection  is,  the  exposing  myself  to  remarks  of  a 
taunting  nature  from  my  fellow-students.  As  to  the  re- 
marks, though  unpleasant,  yet  no  further  attention  is  to  be 
devoted  to  them,  than  to  improve,  by  their  malignity,  in  the 
culture  of  more  ardent  and  devotional  feelings.  If  Jesus, 
the  great  example,  should  be  called  a  glutton  and  a  wine- 
bibber,  how  much  more  may  not  polluted  man  expect  to 
be  called  a  fanatic,  with  other  opprobrious  names,  in  the 
humble  discharge  of  his  duty.  Consistency  of  life,  as  a 
pre-requisite,  we  are  all  bound  to  exhibit.  The  consistency 
of  a  christian's  life  will  necessarily  extort  animadver- 
sions, not  only  from  the  profane,  but  from  many  of  the  pro- 
fessed foUow^ers  of  Jesus.'  By  the  mass  of  professors,  cen- 
sure is  imposed  on  the  man  who  visits  the  cottage,  and  en- 
ters the  house  of  dissipation,  and  converses  with  the  poor 
in  the  streets.  But  the  cause  of  these  censures  originates 
in  the  unsanctified  affections  which  lurk  in  the  professor's 
heart.  Though  he  may  have  been  slain  by  the  law,  and 
renewed  by  the  transforming  efficacy  of  the  Holy  Spirit, 
yet  there  are  seasons  when  he  may  be  left  to  the  more  im- 
mediate directions  of  his  natural  feelings.  This  may  be 
their  state  when  such  observations  fall  from  their  lips. 
Their  pride  is  humbled,  their  minds  are  rendered  uneasy, 
and  conscience  accuses  of  neglect  on  their  part.  To  soothe 


REV.    JOHN    R.    M  DOWALL.  51 

^.he  attendant  feeling,  the  guilt  or  folly  of  others  is  made  a 
sufficient  argument.  Why  should  it  be  so  ?  Why  should 
the  members  of  one  body  rise  up  to  oppose  each  other? 

The  unregenerate  accuse  the  devoted  followers  of  Christ. 
They  would  at  this  day,  not  only  accuse  but  crucify  him, 
were  he  to  descend  on  earth  and  be  clothed  with  flesh. 
They  never  could  endure  the  plainness  and  energy  with 
which  he  would  read  their  hearts,  and  tell  to  their  face, 
before  an  assembly,  the  secret  springs  of  all  their  affected 
goodness.  And  is  a  servant  worthy  of  better  treatment  than 
his  kind  Master  ?  Lo !  taunting  observations  are  only  le- 
veled at  me ;  and  for  these  petty  reproaches  shall  I  fold 
my  hands,  bury  my  talent,  and  say  that  I  will  do  no  more  ? 
Ah,  the  prize  for  the  race  is  only  to  him  that  runneth  ;  the 
victory  is  to  him  that  continueth  in  well-doing.  But 
again,  the  objection  does  not  assert  that  I  have  committed 
an  error,  but  simply  slates  the  impropriety  of  my  exposing 
myself  to  such  remarks.  My  observations,  in  many  cases, 
to  impenitent  sinners,  have  been  most  pointed,  but  always 
uttered  with  tender  concern  for  their  eternal  welfare.  My 
exertions  in  the  city,  too,  have  fallen  under  the  observa- 
tion of  many  of  them.  Hence  their  attention,  as  a  matter 
of  course,  was  directed  to  me ;  and  if  at  any  time  they  were 
cut  to  the  heart,  a  retort  would  naturally  follow.  To  avoid 
these  retorts,  shall  I  at  this  period  withdraw,  and  by  a 
subsequent  course  of  inactivity  give  the  lie  to  my  decla- 
rations ? 

But  will  a  withdrawing  shield  me  from  observations? 
Would  it  not  rather  increase  their  malignity  ?  If,  then,  I 
have  no  other  than  a  purely  selfish  motive,  I  must  con- 
tinue. It  is  too  late  to  withdraw.  Besides,  it  w^ould  be  an 
abjuration  of  allegiance  to  my  Savior.  The  rejection  of 
him  would  be  complete,  for  I  should  then  declare  express- 
ly that  my  reputation  was  of  more  consequence  and  far 
more  precious  than  the  Savior. 

They  who  live  godly  in  this  present  world  shall  suffer 


52  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

persecution.    The  necessity  originates  in  the  moral  state 
of  the  heart. 

Thanks  be  to  God,  who  has  made  me  willing  to  suffer. 
Christ  and  his  glory,  I  think,  are  my  motives.  Lord,  thou 
knowest  whether  I  speak  the  truth  ? 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


Trouble— Thoughts  of  home— Death    of  Mr.  Fisk— Calumny- 
Reflections — Vacation  passed  in  Kinderhook. 

Union  College,  March  20th,  1826. 

My  mind  is  troubled — the  conduct  of is  wholly 

unexpected ;  creates  unpleasant  emotions  in  my  bosom. 
Besides,  sin  has  fixed  its  fatal  hold  so  fast  on  my  soul,  that 
the  ebullitions  of  an  evil  heart  often  lead  me  astray. 
O  for  a  closer  walk  with  God  ! 

22^. — Fear  I  have  made  little  or  no  attainments  in  the 
divine  life  this  day.  My  example  and  conversation  have 
not  been  of  that  holy  character  which  God  approves. 

March  23d. — A  fortnight  from  this  day  the  students 
will  be  permitted  to  visit  their  homes.  O  delightful 
thought !  A  thousand  pleasant  associations  fill  the  mind  at 
the  recollection  of  the  beloved  spot  in  which  we  were  born 
and  bred.  The  pastures  covered  with  bleating  flocks  and 
lowing  herds,  the  fields  covered  with  yellow  harvest,  and 
the  presses  bursting  with  new  wine ;  the  brook  that  mur- 
murs by  our  door  loses  not  its  charm ;  but  the  fire-side, 
graced  with  kind  parents,  brothers  and  sisters,  crowns  the 
picture. 

And  shall  these  thoughts  continue  to  be  visionary  ?  O 
yes,  yes,  they  will  be  visionary  till  the  Commencement* 


REV.    JOHN    R.    M  DCWALL.  53 

Too  long  !  Hasten  thy  fliglit,  O  time  !  What,  impatient  of 
delay  !  yes ;  LAong  to  grasp  the  hands  of  those  through 
whom  I  received  my  life.  But  O  let  me  not  murmur,  since 
I  have  a  Parent  of  parents. 

Thursda?/,  2ith. — Mr.  Fisk,  the  Jewish  missionary,  is 
no  more.  He  has  gone,  and  his  labors  of  love  have  fol- 
lowed him,  "  And  I  heard  a  voice  saying.  Blessed  are  the 
dead  that  die  in  the  Lord,  and  their  works  do  follow  them." 
Palestine  is  deprived  of  a  faithful  man  of  God.  Good  out 
of  this  very  removal  of  our  brother  from  the  land  of  Geth- 
semane  shall  ultimately  result.  "All  things  shall  work 
together  for  good  to  them  that  love  God." 

Israel  shall  return,  and  God  shall  yet  delight  in  Judah. 
We  have  the  testimony  of  him  that  cannot  lie.  Light  shall 
spring  up  out  of  darkness.  Are  not  the  hearts  of  all  men 
in  the  hands  of  God,  and  will  he  not  inspire  some  youth- 
ful bosom  with  the  love  and  zeal  of  a  Paul  for  Israel? 

Saturday,  26fh. — 0  for  a  shelter  from  calumny.  The 
bosom-friend  betrays  at  an  unexpected  hour  the  man  he 
should  clasp  to  his  heart.  Cruel  world  !  How  long  shall 
I  feel  thy  keenest  rage  !  Jesus,  preserve  me  from  re- 
taliating on  those  who  let  loose  the  worst  passions  of  the 
heart, 

hordes  day,  21  ih,  1826. — Covenant  obligations  rest  upon 
me  to  serve  the  Lord  in  soul  and  body.  The  most  solemn 
oaths  I  have  taken — taken  before  sinners,  the  visible 
church,  and  angels  elect,  while  Jesus  witnessed  the  solemn 
performance.  Oh,  the  solemnity,  the  perpetuity,  the  awful 
consequences  of  violating  this  oath. 

'  My  constitution  is  naturally  feeble.  The  prevailing 
cold,  called  the  influenza,  which,  combining  with  previous 
diseases  in  the  system,  has  carried  off  so  many  citizens, 
has  made  a  desperate  inroad  upon  my  health.  My  lungs 
are  sensibly  affected.  My  spirits  are  frequently  languid  at 
such  times,  I  am  quite  childish  in  many  things.  Fre- 
quently I  desire  to  quit  study  and  visit  my  friends.  I  do 
5* 


54  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

not  know  that  I  ever  was  so  unstable  in  the  prosecution  of 
science,  when  pecuniary  circumstances  did  not  press  upon 
me.  Lately  I  have  concluded  that  but  a  few  months  more 
of  life  were  in  store  for  me.  It  is  an  act  of  goodness  in 
our  heavenly  Father  in  concealing  the  hour  of  human 
dissolution. 

I  may  soon  feel  the  icy  hand  of  death  upon  my  body, 
and  feeling  among  the  chords  of  my  heart  for  the  soul. 
Yes,  the  winding-sheet  may  be  in  my  chest,  the  hearse 
may  soon  move  under  the  burden  of  my  clay,  at  the  so- 
lemn going  of  the  death-bell.  An  empty  chamber,  shrouded 
by  the  black  drapery  of  death,  will  remain  for  a  few  days, 
to  tell  that  poor  John  once  lived.  The  clod  of  the  valley 
will  press  upon  my  bosom,  the  winds  will  blow  fearlessly 
over  my  grave,  and  while  the  moon  is  shining  softly  on 
the  little  fresh  knoll,  the  grave-robber  may  enter  the  field 
sacred  to  the  dead,  and  bear  away  my  frame  in  its  white 
wrapper  to  the  anatomist's  shop. 

The  moon  casts  a  look  into  the  grave,  but  sees  no  tenant 
there  !  It  is  gone !  As  the  earth  is  shoveled  to  its  place,  an- 
gels and  my  departed  spirit  may  hear  it  rattle  a  second 
time  upon  the  black  chest.  A  tender  sister  may  shed  the 
tear  of  affection  orer  my  lonely  grave.  The  stranger  may 
be  pointed  to  the  head  of  my  tomb  by  the  cypress  under 
whose  shade  the  beloved  parents  of  my  ashes  may  utter 
many  a  moan. 

April  1st.  Lord's  day. — It  was  a  late  hour  before  I  re- 
tired last  evening.  My  health  is  better  than  it  was  last 
week.  On  Thursday  we  shall  be  released  from  college  a 
few  weeks.  Many  a  brother  will  go  to  another  and  a  more 
holy  school  than  this — the  school  of  the  prophets ;  and 
many  a  student  to  an  unholy  school — the  school  of  Mam- 
mon. 

Vacation.  Third  Term.  Sophomore. — I  visited  Albany, 
During  a  residence  of  ten  days  I  had  the  pleasure  of  visit- 
ing the  Sabbath-school  monthly  concert.    It  was  a  pre- 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  65 

cious  meeting.  The  feeling  excited  on  the  occasion  proved 
its  value.  On  the  whole,  I  was  revived,  and  felt  as  though 
I  could  bless  God  for  the  privilege  of  bearing  testimony 
to  my  interest  in  Sabbath  schools. 

Vacation  passed  in  Kinderhook. — In  this  place  I  con- 
tinued nearly  three  weeks.  Dr.  Van  Dyck  and  his  bro- 
ther Lawrence  Van  Dyck  were  hospitable  to  me.  I  hope 
that  un worthiness  of  their  many  kind  attentions  may  never 
be  found  in  me.  In  imperfect  health  I  was  delighted  a  few 
days  with  the  spade  turning  over  the  light  earth,  to  enjoy 
the  healthful  steam  issuing  thence ;  but  the  shortness  of 
life,  with  all  its  uncertainty ,  and  the  awfully  important  cir- 
cumstances connected  with  death,  combinedly  induced  me 
to  devote  my  time  to  the  promotion  of  my  Master's  cause, 
rather  than  thus  to  spend  precious  time. 

The  congregation  in  this  place  is  large.  Being  a  coun- 
try situation,  the  people  are  scattered  over  a  large  extent  of 
territory.  Poverty  and  its  attendant  obscurity  characterizes 
many.  Hence  ground  is  open  for  missionary  labor.  A  few 
young  ladies  had  occasionally  occupied  the  ground.  Here 
I  commenced  my  labors.  A  lady  furnished  me  with  a  few 
Tracts. 

The  first  day  L.  V.  D.  accompanied  me.  We  visited 
five  families,  and  left  Tracts  with  most  of  them.  My  re- 
ception good.  The  third  family  we  visited  were  Africans. 
The  man  was  lame — his  trade  fiddling — his  destiny  hell. 
The  woman  deluding  herself  with  this  idea. — 

"  My  master  gave  me  no  learning.    I  am  ignorant." 

Alas,  I  fear  there  is  too  much  reason  for  this  complaint 
of  the  master's  neglect.  And  here  I  would  observe,  that 
many  of  the  blacks  make  the  same  reply  to  me  while  press- 
ing home  the  truths  of  God  upon  their  consciences.  The 
case  of  one  black  family  was  interesting.  After  many 
feeling  remarks,  the  female  closed  by  observing, 

"  We  are  now  old.  It  is  too  late  for  us  to  learn.  We 
had  to  purchase  our  freedom.    Our  master  was  cruel.  He 


50  3SEM0IR    OF    THE 

made  us  work  very  hard  all  the  week.  On  Sunday  we 
made  brooms,  and  baskets,  and  some  other  things,  which 
we  sold.  We  laid  up  the  money.  Thus  w^e  bought  our- 
selves free." 

Now,  deeply  interesting  as  the  case  may  be,  no  excuse 
of  this  kind  will  justify  the  sinner.  The  fourth  family 
were  Africans.  The  woman  was  poor.  She  had  many 
small  children.  Sabbath  school  teachers  frequently  visit 
her.  The  fifth  family  were  blacks.  The  woman  a  pro- 
fessor. Joy  lighted  on  her  countenance  at  the  intelligence 
of  our  mission  and  labor. 

Second  day. — I  visited  a  few  families  ;  nothing  particu- 
larly interesting.  One  case  I  will  notice.  An  old  man, 
supported  by  the  town,  said  he  was  ready  to  die  when  his 
Maker  should  call  for  him,  because  God  had  a  right  to 
take  him. 

Strong  delusion  !  Fatal  error !  Willingness  to  meet 
God  without  an  interest  in  Jesus,  and  yet  hope  for  pardon 
through  Christ,  whose  salvation  he  had  rejected  ! 

Third  day. — Visited  some  black  families.  Called  upon 
an  aged  woman.  She  had  no  hope.  She  thanked  me 
heartily  for  my  visit.  The  grave  will  soon  be  her  bed. 
Saw  a  universalist:  pointed  him  to  the  judgment  as  a  clos- 
ing s  cene. 

Fourth  day, — Visited  and  distributed  Tracts.  Was 
kindly  received.    Some  feeling  exhibited. 

Fifth  day. — Visited  a  few  families  and  spent  the  day 
with  the  Rev.  Mr.  S. 

Sixth,  seventh,  and  eighth  days. — Visited  a  {ew  families, 
distributed  a  few  Tracts  ;  called  on  one  family ;  conversed 
with  the  mistress  and  a  little  daughter ;  the  elder  daugh- 
ter made  her  exit.  I  called  a  day  or  two  after,  but  had  no 
sooner  entered  but  she  left  her  wheel  and  passed  out  at  the 
same  door  at  which  I  had  entered.  Thus  sinners  choose 
the  way  that  leads  to  hell,  and  are  offended  at  a  friendly 
Y/arning  to  shun  the  yawning  pit. 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  57 

Tuesday,  ninth  day, — Was  the  most  interesting.  I  visit- 
ed about  thirty  persons,  and  conversed  with  them  about  the 
all-important  subject  of  death.  A  solemn  occurrence  had 
taken  place  on  the  preceding  Saturday  evening  in  the  vi- 
cinity, A  young  man  in  the  pride  of  life,  in  company  with 
a  few  of  his  wicked  companions,  went  to  a  grocery,  or  ra- 
ther drunkard's  office,  where  they  spent  the  Lord's  day, 
carousing  and  gambling  till  a  late  hour  at  night.  They 
separated — a  lasting  separation  to  one  poor  sinner.  This 
young  man  intimated  to  a  young  lady  as  he  left  the  house, 
that  she  would  never  see  him  again.  He  had  a  bridge  to 
cross,  and  previous  to  his  arrival  he  expressed  a  desire  to 
go  into  the  stream.  This  was  opposed  ;  he  then  pretend- 
ed he  had  lost  a  glove  and  must  go  back  and  find  it.  His 
companion  returned  for  his  glove,  and  in  his  absence  the 
young  man  was  missing.  He  was  not  found  till  Sabbath, 
when  he  was  hooked  up  out  of  the  river. 

This  was  a  solemn  dispensation.  A  fact  so  recent,  so 
awful  in  its  consequences,  and  so  distressing  to  his  rela- 
tions, afforded  a  good  introductory  to  the  theme  of  religion. 
I  cheerfully  improved  it. 

Noon  was  now  advancing ;  I  entered  a  poor  man's  house 
he  was  eating  a  bowl  of  bread  and  milk.  After  presenting 
him  with  a  Tract,  we  had  some  profitable  conversation.  A 
grocer  came  in,  whose  anger  was  immediately^  stirred.  He 
reviled  other  young  men  who  had  taken  a  similar  course, 
and  threatened  me  with  being  put  out  of  his  house  if  I 
should  attempt  to  enter  with  a  Tract. 

"  I  will  not  enter  your  house,"  said  I ;  "  but  will  you 
take  a  Tract  now  ?" 

He  refused.  The  Spirit  of  God  had  often  operated  pow- 
erfully upon  this  man,  but  he  had  refused  ;  and  the  last  state 
of  that  man  is  worse  than  the  first. 


58  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

CHAPTER    IX. 


Retnrned  to  College — Prayer-meetings — Conversion  of  a  young  man 
— Slander — Officers  in  College. 

Tenth,  eleventh,  and  twelfth  days. — Visited  a  few  fami- 
lies, and  distributed  some  Tracts. 

Thirteenth  day. — Dr.  Van  Dyck  took  his  carriage,  and 
we  spent  the  forenoon  in  visiting  the  people  and  convers- 
ing with  them  on  a  preparation  for  death.  We  had  one 
or  two  pleasant  scenes.  Returned  to  Albany  in  the  steam- 
boat. The  fields  began  to  assume  a  beautiful  green  color. 
Here  and  there  a  field  presented  the  desolations  of  frost, 
but  these  fields  were  like  the  shades  in  a  picture,  throw- 
ing the  contrasted  colors  into  a  brighter  and  more  lovely 
view.  The  poplars,  too,  seemed  to  vie  in  the  presentation  of 
beauty.  I  said  to  a  young  lady  admiring  the  landscape  and 
the  beauty  of  the  verdure  and  trees, 

*•  And  we,  too,  shall  be  soon  stripped  of  our  beauty  and 
verdure." 

She  seemed  for  a  moment  to  feel,  and  then  turned  away. 

Returned  to  college  after  a  short  stop  in  Albany.  My 
feelings  are  more  warm  than  usual.  Visited  some  of  my 
christian  friends  in  the  city.  One  pious  woman,  at  whose 
house  I  have  held  many  a  prayer-meeting,  is  gone  to  her 
long  home.  She  is  now,  I  trust,  walking  in  white  with  the 
ransomed  of  the  Lord. 

Wednesday. — Prayer-meeting  at  my  room  this  evening. 
More  brethren  than  usual  present. 

Second  Wednesday. — More  brethren  present  than  at  any 
ormer  period.  An  account  of  revivals  in  different  places 
was  given.  That  work  of  God  in  Williams  College 
seemed  to  produce,  by  its  narration,  greater  feeling  in  my 
bosom  than  any  other. 

Third  Wednesday. — A   very  full  meeting.     A  young 


REV.    JOHN'    R.    M  DOV/ALL.  50 

man  from  Pittsfield,  Mass.  in  my  class,  is  now  rejoicing-  in 
hope.    A  recital  of  his  case,  from  the  first  word  I  dropp^|| 
to  him  on  the  subject  of  religion  till  his  conversion,  raa^ 
be  interesting  to  me  in  times  of  darkness  and  trial. 

Returning  from  church  one  Sabbath,  I  was  trying  to  in- 
troduce the  subject  of  religion,  by  leading  him  from  one 
subject  to  another.  As  I  played  in  distance,  trying  to  ar- 
rive at  his  heart  by  a  circuitous  route,  he  took  the  alarm, 
and  artfully  increased  the  distance  and  lengthened  the 
route.  Thus  baffled,  I  learned  the  folly  of  some  good- 
meaning  men's  advice : 

"  Never  introduce  religious  subjects  as  topics  of  conver- 
sation, so  as  to  surprise  men." 

So,  leaving  this  advice  as  impolitic,  I  abruptly  introduced 
the  subject  of  religion,  and  the  youth  cast  this  passage  in- 
to my  teeth. 

"Let  him  that  is  without  sin  cast  the  first  stone." 

On  the  following  Saturday  I  spoke  with  him,  but  he 
disregarded  my  advice ;  said  he  was  going  to  bathe.  I 
informed  him  that  his  brother  and  others  were  praying  for 
the  salvation  of  his  soul.  He  appeared  troubled  at  the  re- 
lation of  this  fact.  The  day  was  cloudy.  As  he  was  ffoinnr 
to  the  water,  a  peal  of  thunder  terrified  him  so  that  he  re- 
solved not  to  bathe,  but  went  into  the  city  and  played  whist 
with  a  young  lady  till  his  fears  wore  away. 

I  saw  him  the  nextSabbath,  but  he  refused  to  speak  much 
with  me,  adding,  "  I  think  I  have  shut  myself  up  in  hell."' 
He  tried  to  get  the  Bible,  as  he  said,  but  the  devil  hindered 
him.  He  came  to  my  room  on  Wednesday,  walked  the 
floor,  and  said, 

"  M' Do  wall,  I  have  had  no  peace  since  you  spoke  to  me 
on  the  Sabbath" — then  added,  "M' Do  wall,  you  will  send 
me  to  hell." 

Once  he  locked  his  door  against  me  ;  fear,  he  said,  laid 
hold  of  his  mind  when  he  thought  of  seeing  me. 

"  Have  vou  banished  the  Savior.''  said  I- 


60  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

•*  I  have  banished  him.,''^  he  answered. 
gk^'  Then  I  must  leave  you." 

I  passed  away.     Returning  soon,  he  said, 

"  Come  up  to  your  room."  "  O,"  continued  he,  in  the  bit- 
terness of  his  soul,  "  I  have  had  no  peace  since  you  first 
spoke  to  me." 

In  deep  distress,  he  leaned  back  upon  his  chair,  and 
from  the  pit  of  sin  called  upon  God  for  mercy.  If  ever 
I  heard  the  penitential  prayer  and  confession  for  sin,  I 
think  I  heard  it  from  him.  As  he  closed  in  agony  of  soul, 
I  kneeled  by  his  side,  and  looked  away  to  Jesus  for  a 
blessing  on  my  class-mate.  As  I  arose,  he  looked  me  in 
the  face,  and  said, 

"  How  do  those  feel  who  have  obtained  a  hope?" 

On  being  told  that  a  calm  followed  the  agitation  of  the 
waters,  he  said, 

"  While  you  were  at  prayer  my  distress  was  removed. 
I  have  been  told  of  the  rapture  at  the  new  birth.  I  do  not 
feel  it,  and  fear  to  hope."  The  young  man,  however,  has  a 
hope  which  is  like  an  anchor  to  his  soul. 

Four  of  my  class-mates  have  lately  obtained  hopes,  and 
one  in  the  freshmen  class.  Five  sinners  have  been  plucked 
from  everlasting  burnings.  Prejudices  of  old  standing 
have  been  softened,  and  good  feeling  restored  between 
brethren. 

God  has  used  me  as  an  unworthy  instrument  in  the  pro- 
motion of  the  eternal  good  of  some  poor  souls  in  college. 
My  labors  were  not,  however,  passed  over  in  silence.  De- 
traction pointed  her  darts  at  my  reputation,  slandered  my 
character,  and  narrowed  the  sphere  of  my  usefulness.  Er- 
roneous proceedings  or  measures  I  may  have  adopted ; 
willingly  do  I  acknowledge  a  headlong  zeal,  as  so77ie  call 
it ;  but  never  can  I  acknowledge  it  to  be  wholly  destitute 
of  the  dictates  of  wisdom.  Envy  arrayed  her  dread  pha- 
lanx next  after  detraction.  Its  blighting  effects  I  sorely  felt. 
The  devil  then  mustered  piti/ to  take  a  giant  stand  in  a  let- 


REV.    JOHN    R.     m'doWALL.  61 

"er  sent  me  to  damp  my  zeal.    However,  four  or  five  souls 
stood  by  me  through  the  whole  course.     To  them  I  couicfc 
look  in  most  cases  for  encouragement.  '(^ 

One  week  the  excitement  was  so  powerful  in  college  that 
sinners  were  astonished ;  but  the  enmity  of  the  heart,  not 
being  slain  by  the  cross  of  Christ,  acquired  strength  by 
being  smothered.  This  was  soon  exhibited  in  oaths  and 
horrid  imprecations  against  the  Eternal.  As  sheep  with- 
out a  shepherd  "were  we  left,  though  not  less  than  five  mi- 
nisters of  the  Gospel,  with  the  President  at  their  head, 
lodged  within  the  college  walls. 

As  the  work  proceeded,  tutor  P came  often ;  tutor 

Y occasionally  came  into  our  meetings.  The  Presi- 
dent attended  one  of  our  prayer-meetings,  and  this  was 
about  all  the  encouragement  we  received.  The  president 
delivered  a  few  lectures  in  the  chapel  at  the  close  of  the 
term ;  yet  little  can  be  offered  in  his  favor  for  his  neglect 
of  the  work  of  grace ;  but  God  forbid  that  I  should  con- 
demn him ;  perhaps  he  acted  a  wise  and  prudent  part. 
But  tutor  P will  long  be  remembered  for  his  atten- 
tions. 


CHAPTER  X. 


VISITS    AMONG    SINNERS. 

Success—Opposition — Cruelty  to  aniraals— Opposition — Doubts — 
Kindness  of  parents — Despondency — Visit  to  Ballston,  and  to  his 
parents. 

July  26th. — I  feel  as  though  my  labor  was  not  entirely 
in  vain  this  day.  In  the  morning  saw  three  under  con- 
viction. I  am  almost  exhausted  by  incessant  labor  and 
conversation  with  sinners. 

6 


62  MEMOIR    OF    THE      | 


3: 


Talked  with  twenty  to-day;  seven  under  conviction  \  th« 
St  are  not.     A  professed  Christian  said  to-day,  in  pre- 

ce  of  a  company  of  ungodly  sinners,  "  M'Dowall  is  too 
net;"  and  endeavored  to  bring  me  into  disrepute. 
I  pray  that  her  Master  may  pardon  her ;  she  has  receiv- 
ed the  symbols  of  his  broken  body  and  shed  blood.  O  Sa- 
vior, how  art  thou  w-ounded  in  the  house  of  thy  friends- 
O  resent  it  7iot — they  are  weak. 

Saw  a  company  of  ladies  at  a  tea-party.  Before  they 
parted  I  was  told  the  young  ladies  could  find  nothing  to 
do.  After  a  few  remarks  I  proposed  they  should  go  to  Je- 
sus. The  party  closed  by  a  proposition  to  have  a  prayer- 
meeting  at  that  place  a  week  from  that  evening.  Profes- 
sors begin  to  awake  and  tremble. 

lilh. — My  health  is  nearly  destroyed.  I  must  not  give 
such  reins  to  my  feelings,  and  make  so  great  exertions 
among  those  who  are  wholly  indifferent  with  regard  to 
their  salvation,  as  the  number  of  anxious  is  increasing. 
These  require  my  attention.  O  God !  humble  me  before 
thee.  Let  me  be  willing  to  be  used  as  an  intrument  in  the 
promotion  of  the  good  of  poor  souls.  But  ever  keep  me 
from  assuming  any  thing  to  myself.  Giod  works  by  whom 
he  pleases ;  and  if  he  sees  fit  to  work  by  me,  let  me  re- 
member I  am  but  a  tool. 

In  poor  health  :  attended  the  Sabbath  school ;  made  scme 
arrangements,  but  found  it  necessary  to  retire  and  take 
sleep.  In  the  evening  I  was  revived,  and  attended  two 
meetings.     0?ie  was  very  solemn. 

Monday. — In  poor  health.  Two  young  ladies  sent  for 
me.  They  are  anxious.  They  were  at  the  tea-party  before 
mentioned,  and  have  resolred  to  attend  to  religion  as  their 
first  duty.  Applied  the  truth  to  the  conscience  of  another 
young  lady.  If  God  be  pleased  to  seal  instruction,  she 
shall  shine  in  his  kingdom  for  ever. 

Tuesday. — Rode  into  the  country  :  conversed  with  sin- 
ners.   My  health  is  a  little  better.    My  state  of  feeling  i^ 


63 

-so  intense,  that  it  is  with  great  difficulty  I  can  repose  at 
night.  At  three  this  morning  I  arose,  after  tossing  for 
some  time  in  my  bed,  and  walked  about  the  city.  In 
ten  places  I  discovered  lights.  Sick  persons  in  those 
houses.  Were  they  prepared  to  die?  How  many  ungod- 
ly sinners  reside  under  these  roofs !  Should  this  city  be 
destroyed  in  ten  minutes,  how  many  would  dwell  with  de- 
vils i  Thoughts  like  these  occupied  my  heart  last  night 
while  I  paced  the  streets  of  Schenectady. 

Being  relieved  by  Mr.  Crane  at  the  anxious  meeting, 
!  had  some  rest  from  labor,  consequent^  my  rest  was  good 
last  night.  I  feel  better  to-day.  I  visit  about  twenty  sin- 
ners daily.    Hereafter  I  shall  not  notice  the  number. 

Spoke  to  several  persons  to  make  religion  their  first  bu- 
siness. Truly  I  am  a  most  unworthy  person.  Unworthy, 
that  God  should  use  me  to  promote  his  cause  in  any  de- 
gree. Some  persons  say  that  1  am  a  most  holy  young- 
man  ;  but  O  could  they  see  my  heart !  could  they  see  the 
odious  thoughts  that  often  enter  there !  Other  persons  in 
the  malignity  of  their  hearts  give  me  a  just  character — 
a  character  far  from  being  so  holy  as  some  suppose  I 


Friday, — Saw  some  poor  distressed  sinners  to-day,  and 
prayed  with  them.  Things  appear  encouraging.  I  rode  in- 
to the  country  to-day,  and  in  the  afternoon  recommenced 
my  missionary  labors,  and  hope  that  these  labors  will  be 
blessed.  I  find  that  sinners  think  their  ovirn  promises  are 
more  binding  than  the  commands  of  God  ;  for  if  you  press 
the  sinner  to  promise  to  attend  to  religion  as  his  first  busi- 
siess,  he  will  say  that  he  is  afraid  he  shall  break  his  pro- 
mise. Hence  sinners  esteem  their  own  engagements  more 
binding  than  the  duty  which  God  enjoins  upon  them. 

Monday. — Rode  again  into  the  country ;  called  at  a 
house  and  asked  for  a  drink.  I  fell  into  conversation  with* 
the  woman  about  religion,  and  after  she  understood  I  was 
a  member  of  the  Dutch  church,  her  objections  were  lessen- 


64  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

ed.  How  fearful  sinners  are  to  converse  with  those  wh& 
do  not  belong  to  the  denomination  to  which  they  themselves 
adhere ! 

After  dinner  I  walked  on  the  tow-path,  and  conversed 
with  a  boatman  on  the  subject  of  religion.  He  offered  me 
three  cents  as  a  reward  ;  which  I  refused  ;  but  as  he  did 
it  to  ridicule  me,  I  was  sorry  I  did  not  accept  it,  for  that 
would  have  been  taking  him  in  his  own  trap. 

One  woman  to-day  could  not  attend  to  religion  on  ac- 
count of  her  husband. 

One  man  forbid  me  his  house,  another  desired  me  to  leave. 
I  did,  and  staid  at  the  door,  and  talked  to  him.  He  told  me 
10  go  about  my  business.  I  told  him  my  business  was  to 
persuade  him  not  to  destroy  his  own  soul,  and  I  am  trying 
to  perform  it ;  will  you  hear  me  ?  He  threatened  me.  I  told 
him  I  should  do  nothing  but  pray  for  him.  Yesterday  he 
trembled  in  view  of  the  judgment. 

There  is  a  strong  propensity  in  sinners  to  evade  cl0se^ 
reasoning  about  their  soul's  salvation.  When  they  cannot 
divert  the  subject,  they  v»^ill  complain  of  the  improper  con- 
duct of  christians. 

Friday. — Prepared  articles  to  send  to  my  parents;  rode 
into  the  country  and  fell  into  conversation  with  a  traveler. 
He  was  a  licentious  man,  if  I  might  judge  from  his  con- 
versation. Visited  ten  sinners  in  the  afternoon.  The 
young  people's  meeting  this  evening  was  unusually  in- 
teresting. 

Saturday. — I  have  to  regret  one  act  this  morning,  I 
walked  into  the  rear  of  the  college  ground,  and  seeing  a  iew 
little  fishes  at  play  in  a  shallow  pool,  I  thoughtlessly  let 
some  stones  fall  from  an  eminence  upon  another  stone  in- 
the  water,  under  which  some  fishes  took  shelter.  In  the  re- 
sult I  saw  one  fish,  whose  body  was  mashed  in  two  parts, 
another  whose  head  and  back  were  mashed,  and  a  third 
and   fourth  perish;   another  diving  and  lashing  the  wa- 


REV.'JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  65 

ter,  until  I  had  barbarity  enough  to  execute  the  little  crea- 
ture. No  sooner  had  I  done  this,  than  coinpunction  seized 
me.  With  mourning-  I  left  the  spot.  How  cruel  the  act 
to  destroy  life  to  gratify  a  curious  or  perverted  passion  ! 
What  a  sad  mark  of  total  depravity  !  It  led  me  to  reflect 
on  President  Edwards'  resolution  relative  to  brutes,  and  1 
felt  determined  to  make  a  similar  one  relative  to  little  fishes 
hereafter,  and  to  destroy  no  more,  but  let  them  sport  in  the 
pools  to  glorify  the  God  I  so  often  offend. 

Went  through  the  old  tier  of  buildings  ;  did  not  see  the 
man  who  told  me  yesterday  he  would  baptize  me  with  a 
pail  of  water  if  I  did  not  get  out  of  his  way.  Two  or 
three  days  before,  he  ordered  me  out  of  his  house.  Indeed 
I  am  called,  by  some,  every  thing  but  an  honest  man. 

Tuesday,  2Sth. — This  was  a  very  interesting  day  to  me. 
I  saw  many  sinners.  Saw  some  ladies  I  had  not  seen  be- 
fore ;  they  felt  uneasy  at  the  close  application  of  the  truth. 

Thursday,  ^Oth. — At  the  request  of  Mr.  Crane,  by  his 
clerk,  I  took  up  my  lodgings  at  his  house  yesterday,  and 
shall  probably  remain  till  he  returns  from  New-England. 
At  night  I  awoke  and  lay  musing  on  my  bed.  As  my 
thoughts  were  turned  on  the  scenes  of  the  preceding  day, 
I  began,  as  at  former  times,  to  study  the  dispositions  of 
those  with  whom  I  had  conversed.  But  the  evil,  base  se- 
diments of  sin,  began  to  foment  in  my  heart.  It  was  then 
I  wondered  God  should  condescend  to  use  so  vile,  so  worth- 
less, so  depraved,  yea,  so  defiled  an  instrument  as  I  am,  to 
promote  his  glory.  Surely  it  can  only  be  that  his  may  be 
all  the  glory. 

Visited  some  sinners.  Found  one  old  deluded  one. 
Had  a  hope,  but  could  give  no  reason.  Poor  soul !  There 
are  thousands  in  the  world  like  him.  My  strength  is 
nearly  exhausted ;  could  see  but  few  sinners  to-day. 

Friday^   \5th. — Conversed  with  a  deist.     He  asked  if 
Christ  was  not  illicitly  begotten  ?  I  asked  if  God  could  not 
6* 


t)b  MF.MOIR    OF    THE 

raise  up  children  ot"  the  stones  before  liim.  He  waved 
the  question,  and  tlion  denied  the  Scriptures.  I  denied 
his  assertions,  and  treated  him  as  an  open  enemy  to  the 
truth.  Called  to  see  a  young  lady  to-day.  but  was  treated 
by  some  o(  the  family  rather  disji;raoe fully.  I  hwing^  been 
sent  for,  I  could  not  but  think  the  tveatmont  most  unmeri'L- 
ed  and  disgraceful. 

Neg-lecting  to  use  the  Scriptures,  to  meditate,  to  fast,  and 
to  pray,  have  a  very  pernicious  influence  on  piety.  This 
is  verilied  in  my  own  case.  So  soon  as  I  slackened  the 
rigor  of  my  religious  discipline,  1  began  to  lose  a  relish 
for  religious  duties.  Here  is  laid  the  incipient  step  of  de- 
clension. C>  my  Ciod,  thou  Cuxl  of  all  grace,  lift  up  my 
feet  from  the  pit  and  establish  my  goings.  Refine  my  af- 
fections by  the  power  oi'  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  create  with- 
in me  a  new  heart. 

'20/A. — For  some  time  past  I  have  been  led  seriously  to 
think  of  my  situation.  Considering  how  prone  I  am  to 
stray  away  from  Liod  by  yielding  to  irregular  desires, 
frequently  am  I  induced  to  believe  that  as  yet  I  am  but  a 
polished  hypocrite,  Puring  the  revival  in  college  and 
in  the  city  I  did  commit  known  sin.  I  felt  deeply  wound- 
ed at  being  reproached  for  sin  by  a  young  man  from  Ca- 
nada ;  but  these  feelings  soon  wore  away.  Perhaps  1 
have  committal  so  many  sins  that  God  will  leave  me 
joined  to  n\y  lusts.  1  know  my  duty.  I  do  it  not.  I  do 
commit  sin.  1  fear  I  am  deceived.  Vile  wretch  !  O  vile 
wretch  that  1  am !  Polluted  heart !  wilt  thou  yet  draw 
me  along  to  hell  ?  Thou,  OCrod,  would  be  just  to  send  me 
there  for  ever  ! 

Saw  a  good  looking,  active  man  to-day  under  arrest  for 
stealing.  l\Hir  creature!  how  he  felt,  trying  to  excul- 
p{ite  himself  Stolen  ^\-aters,  though  sweet  at  first,  are  bit- 
ter atU'r  drinking. 

O  how  good  God  is  to  me!  He  lias  given  me  atlec- 
ticnate  parents.    They  manifest  that  atlection  to  me  in  dif- 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  G7 

fcrent  _^\vays ;  not  by  word  only,  but  by  direct  acts.  Ac- 
tions arc  sure  marks  of  feeling-,  and  hence  they  love  me, 

October  lG//i,  Sabbath  eve. — O  1  have  had  great  searcii- 
ings  of  heart  since  sunset.  I  feel  that  if  God  should 
send  me  to  hell  I  could  not  complain.  My  sins  have  been 
set  in  order  before  me.  1  do  feel  myself  to  be  a  wretched 
creature.  Am  I  to  die  ?  When  ?  to-night  ?  Perhaps  before 
to-morrow's  sun  may  go  down  I  may  be  in  hell.  Yes,  I 
may.  O  Jesus,  canst  thou  save  me,  a  poor  sinner  ?  I  have 
sinned  against  \\g\\{.  Is  there  nothing  for  me  but  a  fear- 
ful looking  for  of  indignation  that  shall  devour  the  adver- 
saries ?  If  it  be  so,  it  is  altogether  just  and  right.  O  thou 
Spirit,  I  have  so  often  offended  and  insulted  thee  that  thou 
(lost  vindicate  thy  law  in  punishing  sin,  even  in  John 
M'Dovvall,  the  unholy,  vile,  the  polluted  sinner. 

A  little  before  the  term  closed,  being  in  feeble  Iieallh,  T 
visited  Ballston.  The  waters  I  thought  conducive  to  my 
health.  On  my  journey  I  passed  the  place  where  my  fa- 
ther was  born — where  his  parents  died — where  his  parents 
sleep.  Solemn  thoughts  occupied  my  mind.  It  was  Sa- 
turday, the  Jewish  Sabbath  ;  a  peculiar  sanctity  seemed  to 
be  attached  to  the  place  and  time.  On  the  Sabbath  1  re- 
turned to  the  very  spot  owned  by  my  ancestors,  and  lec- 
tured in  the  forenoon  to  a  small  assembly,  in  the  place  of  a 
Baptist  elder,  and  in  the  after  part  of  the  day  to  a  very 
crowded  house.  Considerable  attention  and  feeling.  At 
the  close  of  the  day  I  returned  to  the  Lake,  but  was  disap- 
pointed in  getting  up  a  meeting  for  prayer, 

Jan.  10^/i,  1827. — About  three  weeks  previous  to  the 
•lose  of  the  last  term  I  left  college  to  visit  my  parents.  1 
had  been  absent  about  three  years  and  one  month  from  the 
home  of  my  childhood.  Joyous  was  the  meeting  under 
the  roof  of  the  old  home.  Tears  witnessed  the  flow  of  a 
mother's  aflection  ;  the  trembling  voice  of  an  aged  father 
bade  me  welcome,  as  his  withering  hand  embraced  mine. 
I   need  not   speak  of  brothers  very  particularly.     The 


68  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

youngest  I  had  seen  but  seldom,  acted  as  if  his  heart  was 
identified  with  his  brother's.  My  oldest  brother  had  ob- 
tained a  hope  several  months  before.  My  only  sister  was 
at  the  house  of  her  lately  deceased  grandfather.  Anxiety 
ro  see  me  before  his  death  often  evinced  itself  by  his  fre- 
quently mentioning  my  name.  In  hopes  of  seeing  him  be- 
fore he  was  cut  down,  I  left  college  early  last  term,  and 
while  pressing  onward  to  the  place,  the  sad  news  of  his 
death  reached  me. 


CHAPTER    XI. 


Thoughts    on  the  revivals — Trials   concerning   leaving   the  Dutch 
Church— Deep  sense  of  sin— Letters— Ministerial  qualifications, 

January  \Uh. — The  revival  in  the  city  has  assumed  an 
interesting  aspect.  Many  have  lately  obtained  hopes. 
There  are  a  few  under  conviction.  A  dear  brother  has 
been  requested  to  stay  from  the  city  meetings,  because  he 
occupies  too  much  time  in  exhortation.  I  was  requested 
to  attend  their  meetings,  but  do  not  think  it  my  duty.  Pro- 
fessors are  beginning  to  indulge  in  a  censorious  spirit. 
They  object  to  any  one's  speaking  over  five  minutes,  and 
consider  it  improper  for  any  one  to  meditate  upon  the  sub- 
ject.they  speak  of  They  wish  a  man  to  tell  nothing  more 
than  the  impressions  he  may  have  received  in  the  room. 

No  minister,  in  a  revival,  can  act  without  assistants.  To 
secure  this,  care  should  be  taken  that  the  feelings  of  be- 
lievers be  not  wounded,  nor  their  affections  alienated  by 
any  rashness  of  the  clergyman.  He  must  communicate 
his  designs,  and  show  and  explain  his  views  and  plans  to 
influential  individuals.     He  must  ask  their  advice,  consult 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  69 

their  feelings,  and  so  shape  his  proceedings,  that  in  those 
things  that  are  lawful  he  may  become  all  things  to  all  men. 
Besides,  he  must  have  a  good  education,  and  a  good  heart, 
and  a  profound  knowledge  of  human  nature. 

I^th. — A  fast  this  day  was  observed  by  a  part  of  the 
students:  the  other  part  attended  to  their  usual  duties. 
Indeed,  the  faculty  take  little  or  no  pains  to  promote  god- 
liness. Though  by  other  colleges  the  day  was  observed, 
yet  by  Union  college  it  could  be  passed  over.  The  fa- 
culty of  this  college  will  not  even  liberate  the  students 
from  the  regular  collegiate  duties.  The  college  is  dis- 
missed on  celebrated  public  days. 

I  have  received  my  college  bill  and  account  of  my 
standing  as  a  scholar.  It  is  the  third,  and  only  the  third 
just  bill  I  have  had  since  in  college.  This  bill  is  about 
midway  place  in  my  class.    Sickness  is  the  cause. 

April  26th. — My  heart  is  desperately  wicked ;  I  am 
often  led  astray.  My  employment  is  but  little.  I  take 
some  delight  in  looking  over  my  diary. 

Attended  a  college  prayer-meeting.  At  the  close  of  the 
meeting  I  felt  ashamed  to  lift  up  my  head ;  could  I  have 
secretly  absconded,  joyous  would  it  have  been  to  me.  M}'' 
feelings  are  inexpressible.  Shall  I  leave  the  Dutch 
Church  ?  O  God  !  to  thee  for  direction  I  look. 

Mai/  I4th. — Conversed  with  a  dear  brother,  and  observ- 
ed to  him,  I  felt  as  if  my  cofEn  was  near.  He  thought 
so  too,  and  advised  me  to  leave  college  immediately. 

Jesus  appeared  uncommonly  near  to  me  this  afternoon 
about  the  setting  of  the  sun. 

20th. — Health  is  better.  Went  to  Ballston  Springs  yes- 
terday ;  had  a  dreadful  exhibition  of  the  wickedness  of  my 
heart.  O  the  restraining  grace  of  God  !  I  look  upon  the 
adulterer,  the  murderer,  with  pity  and  disgust;  but  were  it 
not  for  the  restraining  grace  of  God,  what  would  I  not  be- 
come? God  of  grace  keep  my  feet  in  an  even  place. 

May  dOtk — One  of  my  classmates  called  at  my  room  to 


<U  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

talk  about  the  salvation  of  his  soul,  as  he  has  frequently 
done  of  late.  He  appears  to  be  deeply  impressed  with  the 
state  of  his  soul.  I  proposed  to  pray  with  him,  but  he 
waived  it.  A  few  days,  probably,  will  determine  his  state. 

June  2ith. — I  have,  for  many  months,  been  led  far  from 
God.  Mr.  Mason's  sermon  to-day,  upon  the  difference  be- 
tween conversion  by  sympathjr,  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  mel- 
lowed my  heart  a  little.  I  would  fain  hope  that  God  wnll 
yet  save  me.  O  what  a  vile  sinner  I  am  !  My  flesh  is 
sinful ;  my  heart  is  full  of  sin  ;  my  senses  are  inlets  of  sin  ; 
one  mass  of  sin  I  am.  How  vile,  how  loathsome  !  O  that 
Jesus  would  show  unto  me  his  exceeding  love  !  I  have 
often  written  down  my  feelings ;  but  till  now,  I  believe,  I 
have  been  more  influenced  by  knowledge,  in  those  drafts, 
than  b)'"  a  deep  view  of  my  real  character.  It  does  in 
truth  appear  to  me  that  I  am  not  only  the  vilest  wretch  in 
the  sight  of  God  in  college,  but  that  there  can  be  but  few 
equals  in  sin — secret  sins. 

Here  ends  his  private  journal  at  Schenectad}-.  His  fa- 
ther states,  that  in  the  year  1827  his  mind  was  much  exer- 
cised respecting  the  church  he  should  ultimately  unite  him- 
t-elf  w'ith  as  a  laborer,  whether  with  the  Dutch  Reformed 
or  the  Presbyterian.  On  the  7th  of  June  his  father  writes, 
I  received  a  letter  from  him  at  Union  College.  It  express- 
es the  language  of  one  who  was  drinking  deep  at  the 
fountain-head  of  mercy.  In  it  he  expresses  great  joy  in 
having  heard  that  God  had  in  some  places  blessed  my  la- 
bors to  the  conversion  of  sinners.  2d.  The  cheering  of 
his  heart  by  means  of  the  information  he  had  received 
respecting  the  hopeful  success  of  the  Gospel  among  the 
the  Indians  in  Canada.  3d.  An  animated  account  of  the 
outpouring  of  the  Spirit  of  God  on  the  churches  in  New- 
England;  but  especially  some  very  interesting  particulars 
respecting  the  effusion  of  the  Spirit  of  grace  in  the  colleges. 
4th.  IMentions  two  sermons  he  had  sent  me :  both  by  re- 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  71 

vival  ministers  who  pursued  different  courses,  and  both  in 
some  measure  blessed  in  their  labors,  and  wished  my  opi- 
nion of  them  ;  but  I  never  received  them.  5th.  His  corres- 
pondence with  certain  members  of  the  Dutch  Reformed 
Church  in  Albany,  and  with  certain  members  of  the  Pres- 
byterian Church  in  New- York,  respecting  his  entering  on 
the  study  of  theology  in  connection  with  them,  and  ur- 
gently solicited  my  advice  respecting  my  decision;  and  con- 
cludes by  asking,  "What  shall  I  do?  I  anxiously  await 
your  opinion;  I  know  not  what  to  do ;  I  look  for  a  spee- 
dy answer,  as  considerable  depends  upon  it." 

"  He  seemed  to  weigh  the  bearings  and  dependencies  of 
one  action  and  determination  on  another,  before  he  acted 
or  determined  on  any  thing  important,  and  a  disposition  to 
such  counsel  in  different  cases  from  such  as  he  thought 
qualified  to  give  it." 

The  following  letters  show  the  anxious  and  unsettled 
state  of  his  mind  on  this  question,  and  the  candor  he  mani- 
fested in  wishing  to  decide  judicious!}'. 

Union  Collegk,  January  11th,  1827. 
Rev.  Sir, — That  regard  for   my  welfare  which   you, 
though  a  stranger,  have  manifested  towards  me,  calls  forth 
the  warmest  expression  of  my  thanks. 

1  have  indeed  long  cherished  a  peculiar  regard  for  the 
Presbyterian  Church.  Though  born  in  Canada,  Scotch 
blood  flows  in  my  veins,  and  to  this  I  may  probably  attri- 
bute that  predilection.  With  what  church  I  shall,  however, 
finally  connect  myself,  will  probably  not  be  determined  pre- 
vious to  a  more  thorough  acquaintance  wuh  theology. 

Wishing  you  much  success  in  that  high  office,  to  which 
I  hope  God  has  called  you, 

I  remain  your  brother  in  Christ, 

JOIIX    M' Do  WALL. 
Rev.  Cyrus  Mason,  BeeJiinanst.  New- York. 


7-2,  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

Union  College,  January  15th,  1827. 

Rev.  and  dear  Sir, — That  pressing  invitation  which 
you  gave  me  to  write  to  you,  encourages  me  to  ask  this 
question :  Will  the  classis  of  Albany  license  me  to  exhort 
sinners  to  repentance  and  saints  to  holiness,  if,  upon  exa- 
mination, they  should  be  convinced  of  my  qualifications  to 
that  task  ? 

Mr.  Van  Vechten,  my  pastor  and  valuable  friend,  is  ab- 
sent. I  often  feel  the  want  of  his  counsel.  But  from  Mr. 
Ludlow's  kind  attention  to  my  present  and  future  welfare. 
I  indulge  the  hope  of  a  reparation  of  that  loss  in  him.  In- 
fluenced by  this  hope,  I  make  the  present  inquiry. 

To  exhort  sinners  to  repentance  and  saints  to  holiness, 
I  consider  mybounden  duty.  Besides,  several  clergymen, 
of  different  denominations,  have  advised  me  to  exhort. 
Among  these  is  my  father.  But  I  find  a  strong  pre- 
judice existing  in  the  minds  of  a  few  professors  against  a 
student's  or  any  other  person's  exhorting  without  being 
licensed  by  some  body  of  clergymen.  It  is  my  desire  to 
obviate  that  prejudice  which  might  be  excited  against  me 
for  exhorting  without  license. 

I  am,  at  the  same  time,  desirous  of  crushing  the  very 
supposition  that  I  aspire  to  a  present  equality  with  those 
who  are  called  to  administer  the  holy  ordinances,  or  that  I 
wish  to  be  free  from  their  fatherly  care,  counsels  and  di- 
rections, or  that  I  wish  to  pass  over  the  study  of  theology. 
I  am,  Rev.  Sir,  with  due  respect, 

Yours  in  the  best  of  bonds, 

John  M'Dowall. 
Mev.  John  Ludloxc, 

January  20th,  1827. 
•'  I  would  observe  that  I  do  not  ask  for  license  to  ex- 
pound Scripture." 

[An  extract.] 


REV.    JOHN    R.     m' DO  WALL.  "'"  73 

To  the  Reverend  the  Classis  of  Albany. 

Rev.  Sirs, — B}'  the  advice  of  a  clergyman  I  was  per- 
suaded to  lay  a  simple  statement  of  my  circumstances  be- 
fore your  body. 

I  am  the  son  of  a  clergyman,  who  was  ordained  to  the 
Gospel  ministry,  about  thirty  years  ago,  by  the  classis  ot 
Albany,  and  sent  into  Canada  as  a  missionary,  where  he 
still  resides.  Though  his  history  is  here  uncalled  for,  yet 
permit  me  to  say  that  he  can  almost  w^holly  adopt  the 
language  of  one  of  the  pillars  of  our  holy  religion  :  "  What 
is  my  reward  then  ?  verily,  that  when  I  preach  the  Gospel 
I  may  make  the  Gospel  of  Christ  without  charge." 

So  soon  as  a  young  man  whose  mind  is  not  tutored 
by  an  early  education,  is  convinced  of  the  force  of  early 
contracted  habits  upon  his  riper  years,  and  that  "  know- 
ledge is  power,"  his  mind  cannot  but  be  often  filled  with 
retrospective  regret.  This  I  have  often  feh  since  the  time 
in  which  I  indulged  a  trembling  hope  of  reconciliation  to 
God,  through  the  blood  of  Christ ;  for  I  was  born  in  a  land 
where  the  light  of  science  has  not  dawned  with  that  bright- 
ness which  she  sheds  upon  these  States,  and  the  natural 
mind  being  more  prone  to  evil  than  to  good,  I  early  con- 
tracted inattentive  injurious  habits,  although  the  watchful 
eye  of  a  kind  father  was  ever  awake  to  my  best  interests. 

In  infancy  and  youth  I  acquired  but  little  knowledge  ; 
and  although  the  cause  of  this  ignorance  may  be  attri- 
buted to  contracted  habits  of  indolence  and  inattention,  yet 
where  were  my  distinguished  opportunities  for  cultivating 
science?  The  common  schools  were  poor;  my  father  was 
poor  ;  and  absent  from  his  family,  sometimes  for  one,  and 
more  frequently  for  two  months  at  a  time.  Two  hundred 
and  forty  miles  bounded  the  circuit  of  his  labors.  In  dif, 
ferent  places,  collecting  the  followers  of  the  Lamb  together, 
he  organized  churches,  and  afterwards  occasionally  ied. 
them  with  the  bread  of  life.  But,  his  wants  increasing 
7 


/4  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

with  the  increase  of  his  family,  necessitj'  was  laid  upoR 
him  to  labor  in  a  more  contracted  field.  Hence,  the  cir- 
cuit through  which  he  now  travels  to  preach  is  equal  to 
about  eighty-five  miles.  This  circuit  contains  another  of 
about  forty-five  miles.  Once  in  about  three  months  he 
passes  through  the  former,  and  spends  the  residue  of  his 
time  in  the  latter.  Thus  it  will  be  easily  perceived  that  he 
is  still  absent  from  his  family  a  great  portion  of  his  time, 
and  could,  consequently,  pay  but  little  personal  attention 
10  the  educating  of  his  children. 

In  addition  to  the  miserable  advantages  of  common 
schools,  I  was  supported  at  the  grammar-school  for  eight 
months,  but  not  in  succession.  The  intervals  were  so  great 
that  much  of  that  knowledge  which  was  acquired  during 
the  last  term,  was  forgotteifc before  I  commenced  the  next. 
During  these  intervals  of  study  I  devoted  my  time  and 
attention  to  the  farm.  Husbandry,  though  agreeable,  re- 
quired more  muscular  force  than  I  possessed.  Hence  the 
necessity  of  following  a  liberal  profession.  Accordingly,  at 
the  age  of  twenty,  I  entered  one  of  the  most  extensive  and 
popular  law  offices  in  Upper  Canada,  and,  after  sustaining 
a  slio"ht  examination,  was  admitted  by  the  Benchers  of  the 
Law  Society  to  the  privileges  of  a  student  at  law.  The 
term  of  study  comprised  five  years.  Of  these,  scarcely  one 
and  a  half  had  flow^i  away  before  I  began  to  discover  the 
leprosy  of  a  sin-sick  soul.  The  arrows  of  the  Lord  were 
sharp  in  my  heart.  Like  the  wounded  roe  I  sought  rest^ 
but  found  it  only  in  the  convulsive  agonies  of  death, — the 
death  of  that  inward  man  of  sin  whose  dominion  swayed 
every  affection  of  my  heart. 

The  pathway  to  the  rewards  and  to  the  honors  of  my 
country  was  still  open,  but  my  desires  for  their  attainment 
had  withered.  My  desires  were  now  turned  towards  the 
Gospel  ministry.  To  this  the  pathway  was  obstructed, 
I  was  supported  by  the  uncle  to  whom  I  was  articled  as  a 
student.  From  those  mutual  stipulations  he  wasunwillin^r 


75 

to  give  me  a  release.  He  recounted  the  toils  and  the  la- 
bors of  the  ministry,  its  uncertain  emoluments,  and  the 
state  of  my  health,  as  dissuasive  motives.  But  when  he  saw- 
that  his  arguments  were  ineffective,  and  that  my  heart  was 
so  wedded  to  the  desire  of  becoming  a  minister,  that  a  fur- 
ther pursuit  of  the  science  of  law  would  be  detrimental  to 
me,  he  consented,  and  I  relinquished  the  pursuit  and  went 
to  Amherst  in  Massachusetts,  where  I  reviewed  some 
studies,  and  commenced  others,  a  knowledge  of  which  was 
necessary  to  enable  me  to  enter  that  collegiate  institution. 
I  entered  the  freshman  class.  At  the  commencement  of  my 
sophomore  year  I  left  that  college  and  came  to  this. 

The  sum  of  money  which  I  have  annually  expended 
in  the  prosecution  of  my  studies,  has  considerably  ex- 
ceeded that  which  was  supposed  to  be  necessary  by  the 
college  statistic  account.  To  this  expense  my  father's 
remittances  were  not  equal.  To  supply  the  deficiency,  a 
society,  at  the  interposition  of  President  Humphreys,  pre- 
sented to  me  two  dividends  in  common  with  other  young 
men.  Friends  have  occasionally  made  me  a  donation, 'and 
I  have  labored  with  my  own  hands  for  hire  ;  but  creditors 
are  at  this  moment  waiting  upon  me.  If,  then,  my  father's 
remittances  have  not  been  adequate  to  my  expenses,  how 
shall  they  now  be  adequate  to  them,  when  a  second  son  is 
drawing  upon  his  "mere  trifle  of  a  salary?" 
*^  More  than  three  years  ago  a  clergyman  of  this  classis 
informed  my  father  that  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church  would 
aid  his  son.  He  wrote  to  the  ministry,  but  received  no  reply. 
About  sixteen  months  since  my  circumstances  were  so  em- 
barrassing that  I  was  obliged  to  make  known  my  wants 
10  certain  clergymen  of  your  reverend  body,  and  to  ask 
for  help. 

The  Presbyterian  church  was  acquainted  with  my  pe- 
culiar situation  from  the  commencement  of  my  studies. 
They  had  aided  me  when  I  sought  it  not  from  them.  I  could 
now  receive  money  from  societies  under  the   control  of 


76  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

Presbyterians,  but  hesitate  to  do  so  on  the  ground  of  pro 
priety.  That  church  has  hundreds  of  young  men,  her 
own  sons,  sucking  at  her  breast,  whilst  I  am  a  member  of 
another  church  not  burdened  by  so  many  sons,  and  yet 
abounding  in  gold  and  in  silver,  and  in  want  of  no  good 
thing.  I  came  to  the  conclusion  that  it  was  a  duty  to  suffer 
rather  than  to  do  it.  And  I  have  suffered.  I  have  conse- 
quently needed  both  the  comforts  and  the  conveniences 
of  life.  And  I  have,  too,  preserved  my  connection  with  my 
church. 

An  extract  from  a  letter  of  my  father's  may  not  be  inju- 
diciously inserted  here  :   "  I  think  proper  to  advise  you  to 

acquaint  Mr. of  your  situation,  and  that  you  have  a 

pious  and  zealous  brother  who  also  wishes  to  enter  upon  the 
work  of  the  Gospel  ministry,  and  also  to  continue  his  rela- 
tion to  the  Reformed  Dutch  Church ;  but  as  your  father  re- 
ceives but  a  mere  trifle  of  a  salary  from  his  congregations,  he 
has  therefore  to  labor  on  his  form,  both  for  the  maintenance 
of  his  own  family  and  for  your  support,  and  consequently 
cannot  pay  the  expense  of  both  his  sons  at  college;  and^ 
although  you  had  encouragement  of  som.e  assistance  from 
the  Dutch  Church,  and  did  apply  for  it,  and  have  received 
none ;  yet  Divine  Providence  appears  to  open  a  door  for  you 
elsewhere.  The  Presbyterian  church  has  already  offered  you 
assistance,  on  condition  you  attach  yourself  to  their  body. 
This  offer  you  have  hitherto  refused,  as  you  did  not  wish 
to  change  your  relation  from  the  church  to  which  you  al- 
ready belonged,  to  go  to  another.  But  you  did  not  know, 
from  what  you  had  related,  but  God,  in  his  providence, 
pointed  out  that  change  of  relation  to  be  the  path  of  duty  in 
which  you  ought  to  walk.  I  think  it  would  be  best  to  take 
no  hasty  step." 

With  respect  to  my  brother,  I  would  observe  that  the 
Congregational  church  of  New-England  have  made,  vi^ith- 
out  my  father's  solicitation,  an  offer  to  educate  him,  if  he 
will  put  himself  under  their  guardianship.   He*  is  now  at 


KEV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWaLL.  77 

Hadley,    in   Massachusetts,    and    will    probably    receive 
«ome  aid. 

I  have  now,  Rev,  Sirs,  at  the  advice  of  a  friend,  a  bene- 
factor, a  member  of  your  reverend  body,  laid  a  statement 
of  my  circumstances  before  you.  It  necessarily  embraces 
a  short  history  of  the  state  of  my  father's  affairs.  The  deli- 
cacy of  feeling  which  is  excited  in  the  bosom  by  unfolding 
our  wants  to  the  view  and  inspection  of  others,  I  should  in 
the  present  instance  have  felt  an  objection  insupportable, 
but  for  the  anticipation  of  its  calling  the  attention  of  the 
church  to  her  poor,  obscure  sons. 

I  remain,  with  due  respect, 

John  M' Do  wall,  (Junior  class.) 

Union  College,  Ftb.  16,  182T. 

AtBANY,  Feb.  28,  1827. 

Dear  Sir, — The  Albany  classis  held  their  meeting  last 
week.  I  laid  before  them  your  communication,  and  all 
seemed  \o  feel  deeply  interested  in  your  welfare. 

At  a  previous  meeting  of  classis,  a  committee  was  ap- 
pointed to  prepare  a  plan  of  a  classical  education  society. 
Such  a  plan  was  presented  and  adopted.  An  executive 
committee  was  appointed  to  receive  and  consider  appli- 
cations. This  committee  will  be  convened  in  a  few  days, 
and  I  have  it  in  my  power  to  say  that  you  have  the 
prospect  of  assistance  from  this  quarter,  and  need  look 
no  further — Provided,  however,  you  are  willing  to  assent 
to  the  terms  presented  in  said  plan,  of  w^hich  I  think 
there  can  be  no  doubt. 

I  will  send  you  a  copy  as  soon  as  the  constitution  is 
published.  I  wish  you  in  the  meantime  to  draw  up  a  state- 
ment of  your  annual  expenses,  and  state  your  immediate 
wants.  If  I  could  have  this  at  the  meeting  of  the  commit- 
tee it  would  be  best. 

With  regard  to  the  privilege  of  exhorting,  which  you 
wished  from  classis,  I  did  not  present  it  formally.  They 

7* 


78  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

could  not,  by  the  rule  of  the  church,  do  any  thing  in  rela- 
tion to  it.  On  this  subject  you  had  best  submit  to  the  di- 
rection of  the  committee,  if  you  place  yourself  under 
their  care. 

Yours  affectionately, 

John   Lublow. 
Mr.  J.  M'Doieall 

Ministerial  Qualifications. 

The  spirit  of  inspiration  by  Paul  to  Timothy,  furnishes 
us  with  the  following  indispensable  outline  of  a  christian 
minister's  character. 

"  A  Bishop  must  be  blameless,  the  husband  of  one  wife, 
vigilant,  sober,  of  good  behavior,  given  to  hospitality,  apt 
to  teach,  not  given  to  wine,  no  striker,  not  greedy  of  filthy 
lucre,  but  patient,  not  a  brawler,  not  covetous,  one  that 
ruleth  well  his  own  house,  having  his  children  in  subjec- 
tion; not  a  novice,  lest  being  lifted  up  of  pride,  he  fall  into 
the  condemnation  of  the  devil. 

Moreover,  he  must  have  a  good  report  of  them  that  are 
without,  lest  he  fall  into  reproach  and  the  snare  of  the 
devil." 

These  several  qualifications  huve  been  classed  under 
knowledge,  prudence,  and  piety. 

Deeply  impressed  with  a  sense  of  the  importance  of 
improving  in  knowledge,  prudence,  and  piety,  in  my  pre- 
paration for  the  Gospel  ministry,  I  solemnly  promise,  in  a 
reliance  on  divine  grace,  that  I  will  faithfully  and  dili- 
gently attend  on  all  the  instructions  of  this  seminary,  and 
that  1  will  conscientiously  and  vigilantly  observe  all  the 
rules  and  regulations  specified  in  the  plan  for  its  govern- 
ment, and  readily  yield -tft  all  the  wholesome  admonitions 
of  the  professors  and  directors,  while  I  continue  a  mem- 
ber of  it. 

It  is  necessary  that  the  minister  of  the  New  Testament 


REV.    JOHN    R.    M  rOWALL.  79 

should  sustain  an  unimpeachable  character.  Add  to  this, 
those  attainments  the  Gospel  requires  in  wisdom,  prudence 
and  piety,  and  when  we  take  into  serious  consideration  the 
difficulties  and  obstacles  to  the  faithful  exercise  of  ministe- 
rial duties,  and  the  impartial  account  that  must  her  endered 
at  the  last  day,  who  can  help  exclaiming,  "  Who  is  suffi- 
cient  for  these  things  ?" 

But,  blessed  be  God,  we  have  this  treasure  in  earthen 
vessels,  that  the  excellency  of  the  glory  may  be  of  God. 

Holiness  in  our  case  is  an  indispensable  requisite — it 
is  the  sine  qua  non  of  a  christian.  Destitute  of  this,  we 
appear  without  the  wedding  garment,  unseemly  intruders 
in  the  church  of  Christ.  If  our  hearts  never  receive  the 
oil  of  the  Spirit,  our  lighted  tapers,  like  the  lightning's 
gleam  on  the  black  bosom  of  the  earth's  encircling  clouds, 
will  glitter  for  a  moment  and  be  extinguished,  and  leave 
us  in  darkness  that  may  be  felt, — fdt  by  us,  and  felt  by 
others.  Nor  is  this  desideratum  the  less  important,  because 
in  our  great  cities  there  are  at  present  many  literary  and 
scientific  preachers  entirely  destitute  of  godliness.  Their 
vain  philosophy  echoes  in  beauteous  temples,  and  enchants 
the  corrupt  on  each  returning  Sabbath.  Is  not  a  liberal 
theology  the  pride  of  their  hearts  ?  It  is.  They  deny 
the  Lord  of  glory — ridicule  the  doctrine  of  his  propitia- 
tory sacrifice — solemnly  affirm  there  is  no  new  principle  of 
action  imparted  to  man  at  regeneration — laugh  at  the  idea 
of  a  change  of  heart,  &c. — explain  away  all  the  sacred 
and  saving  doctrines  of  the  cross — attempt  to  disrobe 
Jehovah  Jesus  of  all  his  divine  glories — disbelieve  in  the 
existence  of  the  Holy  Ghost  as  God.  Spiritual  oil  never 
flowed  into  the  fountains  of  their  hearts ;  therefore  their 
lighted  lamps  emit  a  gloomy  gleam,  the  people  are  envel- 
oped in  gross  darkness.  Let  us  see  to  it,  that  our  lamps 
are  filled,  trimmed,  and  burning. 

The  foregoing  reflections  end  his  own  history  of  himself 
in  Schenectady. 


80  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

Other  testimonials  are  given  by  his  friends,  which 
abundantly  testify  that  he  never  was  idle,  and  that  his  la- 
bors never  passed  unnoticed.     We  subjoin  the  following. 


CHAPTER  XII. 


Letter  from  Mr.  Crane — Labors  in  College — Persecutions — Prayer- 
meeting — fainting— kindness — Letter  from  G.  C.  Beaman,  Ohio — - 
Labors  in  the  vicinity  of  College — Journey  to  Canada — faithful- 
ness— piety. 

To  the  Reverend  Joshua  Leavitt. 

East  Greenwich,  February  9,  1837. 

There  are  some  facts  connected  with  the  life  of 
the  Rev.  J.  R»  M'Dowall,  during  his  collegiate  career, 
with  which  few,  if  any,  are  as  well  acquainted  as  myself. 
I  have  therefore  concluded  that  it  might  subserve  the 
cause  of  truth  to  make  a  rough  sketch  of  such  as  are 
familiar  to  my  mind,  and  leave  it  with  you  to  make  such 
use  of  them  as  you  may  think  proper.  I  became 
acquainted  with  Mr.  M' Do  wall,  shortly  after  he  entered 
Union  College,  through  Judge  Bidwell,  Upper  Canada, 
who  either  was  a  member  of  his  father's  church,  or  lived 
near  him,  and  was  a  particular  friend  of  his  father,  and 
manifested  a  strong  attachment  to  the  son. 

On  my  Avay  from  Utica  to  Schenectady  Judge  Bidwell 
frequently  spake  of  this  young  man  as  one  of  peculiar 
promise,  and  manifested  a  desire  that  I  should  become 
acquainted  with  him.  Accordingly,  when  we  arrived  at 
the  latter  place,  he  sent  for  him,  and  questioned  him  con- 
cerning the  state  of  religion  in  college,  but  more  particu- 
larly with  regard  to  his  own  personal  piety ;  and  gave 


REV.    JOHN    R.     m'dOWALL.  81 

such  counsel  and  advice,  and  in  such  a  very  feeling  man- 
ner, as  I  have  no  doubt,  under  divine  influence,  was 
instrumental,  in  a  great  measure,  of  leading  to  the  inte- 
resting facts  which  I  shall  hereafter  relate.  One  thing 
in  particular  was  urged  with  great  earnestness,  that  unless 
he  was  careful  to  maintain  a  consistent  life  while  in  col- 
lege, he  would  find  it  a  drawback  upon  his  usefulness  in 
after  life ;  and  that  if  he  lived  as  a  christian  ought  during 
his  collegiate  course,  however  scofl'ers  might  now  hold 
him  up  to  ridicule,  in  the  end  such  would  be  constrained 
to  say.  If  there  is  a  christian,  that  man  is  one.  When  we 
parted,  the  question  was  put  directly  to  him,  "  Will  you 
now  promise,  with  the  help  of  divine  grace,  that  you  wil  1 
endeavor  to  serve  God  faithfully,  whether  others  who  pro- 
fess religion  do  or  not."  To  this  he  readily  assented. 
Half  an  hour's  conversation,  in  substance  like  this,  evi- 
dently moved  Mr.  M'Dowall,  and  the  effects  soon  made  it 
manifest  that  he  had  renewed  his  covenant  obligation,  and 
had  consecrated  himself  more  unreservedly  to  the  work 
of  his  Lord  and  Master.  From  this  time  his  calls  at  my 
house  were  very  frequent,  and  our  acquaintance  grew  into 
something  more  than  an  ordinary  friendship.  Nearly 
twenty  years'  residence  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Union 
College  gave  me  an  opportunity  of  more  or  less  acquain- 
tance with  the  religious  young  men  of  that  institution,  a 
large  proportion  of  whom  are  now  in  the  ministry ;  and 
of  many  it  may  truly  be  said  their  praise  is  in  all  the 
churches,  and  without  detracting  in  the  least  from  their 
worth  in  other  respects,  in  these  two  particulars — disinte- 
restedness and  moral  couragie,!  have  not  known  M' Do  wall's 
rival.  He  was  not  always  discreet,  but,  as  far  as  his 
indiscretions  came  under  my  observation,  they  could  al- 
ways be  traced  to  a  want  of  judgment  peculiar  to  ardent 
young  men  of  his  years.  So  much  was  he  disposed,  from 
my  first  acquaintance  with  him,  to  lay  himself  out  to  do 
good  to  others,  that  some  of  his  brethren  entertained  en- 


S2  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

tirely  mistaken  views  of  his  character.  From  one  he 
received  an  anonymous  communication,  which  he  read  to 
me,  charging  him  with  being  overmuch  righteous,  censur- 
ing in  harsh  terms  his  presumption  in  visiting  the  rooms 
of  the  sceptical,  and  conversing  with  them,  which  only 
excited  contempt,  and  brought  reproach  upon  religion  and 
upon  its  professors ;  and  further  charging  him  with  a  de- 
parture from  the  faith.  I  shall  not  be  likely  ever  to  forget 
the  emotions  I  experienced  while  witnessing  the  flow  of 
rears  and  the  expressions  he  made  when  he  read  to  me 
the  letter.  He  desired  a  friend  to  retire  with  him  for 
prayer,  when  he  poured  out  his  soul  to  God  in  prayer, 
begging  that  he  would  show  him  what  he  ought  to  do, 
and  appealing  to  the  Searcher  of  hearts  for  his  integrity. 
He  went  away  at  this  time  under  the  impression  that  many 
of  his  brethren  in  college  were  cool  towards  him,  in  con- 
sequence of  w^hat  they  thought  presumption,  by  holding 
personal  and  pointed  conversations  with  sceptical  young 
men,  who  in  consequence  had  been  heard  to  revile,  and 
had  nicknamed  him  Cloven  foot.  They  evidently  felt 
that  the  reproaches  of  them  that  reproached  him  fell  on 
ihem,  for  one  of  them  called  on  me  shortly  after,  and  said, 
in  substance,  that  some  good  might  be  done  in  college  if 
Mr.  M'Dowall  was  not  so  imprudent. 

What  is  he  doing?  Why,  he  is  setting  infidels  harking 
like  dogs.  He  has  no  prudence — he  goes  to  their  rooms 
and  holds  religious  conversations  with  them,  which  only 
irritates  them.  He  named  one  young  man  in  particular, 
who  was  one  of  the  ringleaders  of  the  sect,  and  who,  in 
consequence,  had  been  heard  to -express  some  ill  wall  to- 
wards Mr.  M'Dowall  and  other  professors.  This  young 
man  in  a  few  days  was  hopefully  brought  to  renounce  his 
scepticism,  and  submit  his  all  into  the  hands  of  his  Savior, 
and  joined  himself  to  the  brethren — became  a  man  of 
prayer,  and  is  now  preaching  the  faith  that  he  once  en- 
deavored to  destroy.     This  and  a  few  other  conversions 


RhV.    JOHN    R.    M  DOU'ALL.  Qo 

in  colleg-e  about  the  same  time  among  the  most  uncompro- 
mising young  men,  was  a  means  of  changing  the  views 
of  some  of  his  brethren  :  and  I  have  reason  to  believe 
that  some  of  them  learned  a  lesson  on  that  occasion  which 
will  ever  be  useful,  viz.  that  if  the  bull  bellows,  it  may  be 
because  he  is  held  by  the  horns  ;  and  that  if  nothing  is 
said  or  done  to  him  that  savors  of  the  spirit  of  the  world, 
which  tends  directly  to  relieve  his  conscience,  we  may  be 
encouraged  to  hope  for  his  repentance. 

So  changed  were  the  views  of  the  religious  young  men 
in  college  in  regard  to  the  character  and  worth  of  their 
brother  M'Dowall,  that  the  young  man  who  had  sent 
him  the  uncourteous  letter  before  mentioned,  confessed  to 
M'Dowall  that  he  wrote  it,  and  humbly  wished  forgive- 
ness ;  and  further  said,  that  it  had  given  him  much  trouble 
ever  since  it  was  written  ;  and  further,  that  it  was  dictated 
more  by  a  worldly  spirit  than  from  a  real  concern  for  the 
honor  of  religion.  Only  a  few  weeks  elapsed  before  the 
young  man  before  mentioned,  who  had  said  that  some 
good  might  be  done  in  college  if  brother  M'Dowall  was 
not  so  imprudent,  told  me  he  believed  there  might  be  an 
extensive  work  of  grace  in  college  if  they  had  more 
M'Dowalls.  He  and  others  regretted  exceedingly  that 
any  thing  had  been  done  to  lessen  his  influence.  (This  is 
so  meek  a  man,  that  although  he  is  now  in  the  ministry, 
I  should  have  no  fear  of  giving  him  offence  by  calling- 
him  by  name,  if  it  would  subserve  the  cause  of  truth.) 
The  peculiar  sufferings  of  young  M'Dowall  for  a  k\x 
weeks  (at  least,)  especially  in  his  being  in  a  great  measure 
set  at  naught  by  his  brothers,  can  be  fully  known  only  to 
him  who  hears  the  sighs  of  the  mourner.  He  was  wont 
to  call  on  me  and  relate  something  of  his  trials,  and  not 
unfrequently  with  tears.  He  would  say  that  he  felt  at 
times  as  though  he  should  sink,  but  found  relief  only  in 
prayer;  prayer,  he  said,  would  brace  him  up.  That  a 
young  man  at  his  time  of  life,  and  among  strangers,  single- 


84  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

handed,  and  against  the  wishes  of  those  he  held  most  dear, 
should  by  such  means  lose,  and,  for  aught  he  knew,  for 
ever,  the  esteem  of  those  whose  friendship  he  highly 
valued,  was  to  me  a  good  evidence  of  disinterestedness, 
and  of  the  value  he  set  upon  the  honor  that  cometh  from 
God  only.  I  have  often  remarked  before,  what  I  now 
declare  as  my  deliberate  opinion,  that,  in  point  of  moral 
courage  and  disinterestedness,  John  R.  M' Do  wall  was 
unrivalled  among  all  my  acquaintances.  The  transaction 
before  alluded  to,  I  think,  was  in  the  early  part  of  the 
summer  of  1826  ;  and  as  there  had  commenced  among  us 
in  Schenectady  an  interesting  work  of  grace,  I  asked  and 
obtained  Mr.  M' Do  wall's  consent  to  spend  the  eight  weeks' 
vacation  in  my  family,  and  devote  his  time  to  visiting,  &c. 
This  was  especially  desirable,  as  our  minister  left  us  that 
summer,  having  accepted  a  call  in  New-York.  The 
pastor  of  the  Dutch  church  was  on  a  tour  in  Europe  for 
his  health.  Just  before  the  term  in  college  closed,  he 
showed  me  a  letter  from  his  honored  father,  who  advised 
him  to  come  home  and  spend  the  vacation,  which  to  him 
amounted  to  a  command.  But  he  said,  if  I  would  join  him 
in  a  letter  to  his  father,  informing  him  of  the  state  of  things 
Vvith  us,  he  had  no  doubt  he  would  consent  to  his  remain- 
in  o-.  I  complied,  and  we  soon  had  a  letter  from  his  father, 
staling  that  if  his  Master  had  need  of  him  at  Schenectady, 
he  and  his  family  were  willing  to  forego  the  pleasure  of  a 
visit.  During  this  vacation  his  labors  were  almost  inces- 
sant. He  usually  started  out  after  breakfast  with  a  bundle 
of  Tracts  under  his  arm,  and  did  not  return  till  noon ;  and 
then  frequently  so  exhausted  that  he  found  it  necessary  to 
throw  himself  on  a  bed. 

After  an  hour  or  two's  rest,  he  sallied  forth  again,  and 
returned  at  evening.  As  many  as  four  evenings  in  a 
week  he  attended  little  meetings  for  prayer  and  praise  and 
pointed  conversation.  He  used  to  say  that  his  Tracts  were 
very  useful  as  a  means  of  introducing  religious  conversa- 


REV,    JOHN    R.    M  DOWALL.  85 

lion,  and  gave  him  ready  access  to  the  family  on  whom 
he  called.  His  visits  were  generally  among  the  poor,  and 
there  are  numbers  who  now,  and  will  doubtless  continue 
to  all  eternity,  to  bless  God  for  the  visits  and  faithful 
exhortations  of  J.  R.  M'Dowall. 

If  any  thing  is  to  be  known  of  the  workman  from  hij< 
works,  there  are  now  living  epistles  which  may  be  known 
and  read  of  all  men.    When  he  returned  to  college  at  the 
<:ommencement  of  the  September  term,  I  am  sorry  to  say 
that  he  was  so  much  worn  down,  that  it  was  with  difficulty 
he  could  pursue  his  studies.    But  it  was  gratifying  to  see 
the  interest  his  brethren  took  in  his  welfare.    One  of  them. 
called  on  me  and  invited  me  to  take  a  walk  with  him,  and 
during  our  interview  related  a  transaction  which  I  well 
remember  caused  us  both  to  weep  freely.     Said  he,  we 
had  a  prayer-meeting  in  college  among  the  brethren  last 
evening,  and  brother  M'Dowall,  while  leading  in  prayer, 
suddenly  fainted,  and  stopped  speaking;  and  after  a  short 
pause  they  went  to  him  and  supposed  at  first  he  w^as  dead^ 
and  they  took  his  head  from  the  chair  and  laid  him  pros- 
trate on  the  floor,  and  he  soon  began  to  breathe,  and  re- 
vived again.  When  they  took  off  his  coat  it  was  found  that 
his  under-clothes  were  ragged,  and  his  shirt-collar  partly 
torn  off.    His  clothes  were  all  nearly  worn  out,  and  more 
or  less  tattered.    Suspicions  were  immediately  excited  that 
he  might  be  in  want  of  all  things,  and  as  soon  as  he  was 
able  to  converse  they  began  to  interrogate  him.  He  was  at 
first  reluctant  to  let  them  know  his  situation,  but  finally  said 
that  he  hadheired  some  property,  which  would  have  been 
sufficient  to  have  paid  his  expenses  through  college,  but 
which  (if  my  memory  serves)  consisted  in  a  mortgage, 
but  that  an  older  mortgage  had  swept  the  whole.     That 
it  had  troubled  him  a  while,  but  that  he  had  got  over  it, 
and  had  determined  to  pursue  his  studies  and  trust  Provi- 

8 


86  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

dence.*  His  friends  in  college,  he  told  me,  were  much 
affected  when  they  learned  his  situation,  especially  when 
they  reflected  that  he  had  "  labored  more  abundantly  than 
they  all."  His  delicacy  in  not  making  known  his  situa- 
tion will  not  be  so  surprising,  because  it  is  a  well  known 
characteristic  of  the  Scotch  to  despise  beggary. 

I  need  hardly  add  that  provision  was  immediately  made 
for  a  suit  of  clothes;  and  1  do  not  believe  he  suffered  for 
any  of  the  comforts  o[  life  thereafter  while  he  remained 
in  colkge.  A  number  of  little  incidents,  which  go  to  make 
up  the  real  worth  of  the  man,  I  might  mention,  but  which 
others,  I  have  no  doubt,  have  furnished. 

1  leave  these  reflections,  to  be  used  as  may  be  for  the 
best,  with  my  earnest  prayer  that  God  may  give  all  needed 
wisdom. 

His  anxiety  respecting  where  to  study  theology  was 
terminated  by  going  to  Princeton,  in  1828,  under  the  pa- 
tronage of  the  Presbyterian  Society. 

In  May,  1828,  he  went  to  Providence  as  an  agent  for 
the  American  Tract  Society.  The  following  letters  and 
journal  refer  to  his  labors  in  that  place. 


CHAPTER  XHI. 


Letter  from  Mr.  Kichmond— Letter  of  Mr.  Hallock— Doings  of  the 
Board  at  Providence — Mr.  M'Dowall's  labors — Extracts  from  his 

,  jJournal— Testimonials  of  his  friends—Labors  in  diflferent  par's— Hi 
'health— Influence  and  energy  of  ladies — Letter  to  Mr.  Hallock. 

Dear  Friend, — I  have  learned  with  great  satisfaction 
that  you  are  about  publishing  a  memoir  of  that  devoted 

*  Here  is  another  specimen  of  his  modestj-.  This  destitution  of 
dothes  was  the  result  of  benevolence  rather  than  poverty,  Thougit 
his  apology  was  true  respecting  the  mortgage,  yet  his  mother  had 

been  careful  lo  supply  him  with  all  that  necessary  clothing  of  which 


REV.    JOHN    R.    M  DOWALL.  87 

and  self-denying  friend  of  suffering  humanity,  and  our 
dear  christian  brother,  Rev>  J.  R.  M'Dowall,  who,  though 
he  be  dead,  yet  liveth  in  the  affections  of  multitudes,  re- 
deemed, disenthralled,  and  saved  from  lowest  depths  of 
degradation  and  misery,  and  in  the  hearts  of  others,  who 
sympathized  in  his  sufferings,  tears,  and  labors,  and  have 
poured  out  their  prayers  with  strong  cries  and  tears  that 
the  God  of  purity  would  sustain  and  carry  him  on  in  his 
work.  As  some  of  the  most  interesting  incidents  in  his 
history  have  occurred  in  this  State,  and  are  perhaps  not 
generally  known  to  the  christian  public,  I  have  taken  the 
liberty  of  mentioning  some  of  these,  which,  if  you  deem 
proper  for  publication,  and  have  not  already  obtained  the 
facts,  you  may  use  as  you  think  proper. 

I  have  before  me  the  records  of  the  Providence  Tract 
Society,  which  contain  the  first  information  respecting  him 
in  this  State,  He  was  sent  here  by  the  American  Tract 
Society,  as  their  agent,  in  May,  1828.  He  continued  his 
labors  until  March,  1829.  For  an  account  of  these  labors, 
with  their  results,  I  refer  you  to  the  Fourth  Annual  Re- 
port of  the  Providence  Tract  Society.  For  the  manner  in 
which  these  duties  were  discharged,  I  refer  you  to  a  letter 
addressed  to  Wm.  A.  Hallock,  Corresponding  Secretary 
American  Tract  Society,  March,  1829,  by  our  board  of 
managers,  in  which  the  most  perfect  satisfaction  is  ex- 
pressed. I  find  also  on  the  records  of  this  Society,  a  vote 
of  thanks  to  Mr.  J.  R.  M'Dowall,  for  his  faithful  services 
in  the  Tract  cause  during  the  past  year. 

In  the  summer  of  1829  the  Rhode  Island  Sunday  School 
Union,  contemplating  efforts  for  the  establishment  of  Sun- 
day Schools  throughout  the  State,  turned  their  attention  to 
Mr,  M'Dowall,  and  appointed  a  committee  to  secure  his 

he  was  then  destitute,  but  his  generosity  had  bestowed  it  where  he 
found  it  was  needed,  and  he  was  ever  mindful  of  the  injunction  of  the 
Savior:  ''  He  that  hath  two  coats,  impart  to  him  that  hath  none." 


88 


MEMOIR    OF    THE 


services.  He  came  here  again  in  October,  1829.  For 
the  manner  in  wliich  he  operated  in  this  cause,  I  refer 
you  to  the  fifth  and  sixth  report  of  the  Rhode  Island  Sun- 
day School  Union.  G.  Richmond. 

In  the  spring  of  1828  the  Corresponding  Secretary, 
Mr.  Stephen  J.  Wardwell,  wrote  to  New-York,  to  the 
Corresponding  Secretary  of  the  American  Tract  Society, 
to  furnish  them  with  an  agent  to  form  societies  and  dis- 
tribute Tracts  in  the  State  of  Rhode  Island.  In  answer  to 
this,  Mr.  Hallock  Avrote  a  letter,  of  which  the  following  is 
an  extract. 

My  dear  Brother, — The  bearer,  Mr.  M'Dowall, 
has  engaged  in  the  service  of  the  Society  for  six  months. 
He  is  a  graduate  of  the  college  at  Schenectady.  We  have 
requested  him  to  begin  his  eiforts  in  Rhode  Island,  and  in 
connection  with  your  auxiliar5%  He  is  well  recommended, 
and  is  unquestionably  a  truly  devoted,  pious  young  man, 
who,  we  hope,  will  do  much  good,  especiall}'-  in  forming 
auxiliaries  wherever  they  can  be  established  throughout 
your  State. 

I  hope  your  board  or  committee  will  give  him  the  wis- 
est direction  for  accomplishing  the  greatest  amount  of 
good.  He  has,  I  think,  much  of  the  true  spirit  of  an 
apostle,  and  where  he  can  do  nothing  else,  I  hope  he  will 
distribute  Tracts  gratuitously.  Your  board  will  under- 
stand that  the  American  Society  supports  Mr.  M'Dowall 
on  this  agency.  We  should  be  glad  if  he  could  visit  every 
neighborhood  in  the  State. 

If  you  can,  please  find  some  christian  place  where  Mr> 
M'Dowall  can  lodge  while  in  Providence. 

May  27th,  1828.  A  meeting  of  the  Board  was  held  at 
Providence,  and  Mr.  J.  R.  M'Dowall,  an  agent  of  the 
American  Tract  Society,  was  present.  They  write,  Mr. 
M'Dowall  has  come  to  this  place  to  act  as  an  agent,  under 


REV.    JOHN     R.    k'dOWALL.  80 

fjbe  direction  and  with  the  counsel  and  advice  of  the 
Board,  to  visit  the  different  towns  in  this  State,  and  en- 
deavor to  form  Auxiliary  Tract  Societies  therein. 

August  6lh,  1828. — A  quarterly  meeting  of  the  Board 
was  held,  at  which  Mr.  M' Do  wall  was  present,  and  made 
some  very  interesting  and  encouraging  statements  of  his 
operations  in  different  places  which  he  has  visited  since 
his  residence  in  this  State. 

Ifi  March,  1829,  Mt.  M'Dowall  presented  the  Fourth 
Annual  Report,  in  which  is  contained  many  interesting 
facts  relative  to  his  labors,  which  testify  that  his  untiring 
efforts  had  been  signally  blest.  He  visited  the  cottages  of 
the  poor,  wherever  he  could  find  them,  in  the  destitute 
parts  of  Rhode  Island.  Traveled  much  on  foot,  and  his 
plain,  unaffected  appearance,  both  in  manners  and  dress, 
made  for  him  a  welcome  reception  into  families  little  ac- 
customed to  receive  visits  from  the  great  and  noble  of  this 
world.  In  a  little  notice  which  he  made  at  that  time,  he 
says — "  Sitting  by  the  way-side  upon  a  rock  to  gather 
fresh  strength  for  my  journey,  leaning  my  head  upon  my 
staff,  I  thought  on  the  way  my  Master  had  thus  far  led  me, 
and  the  future  prospects  that  awaited  me.  My  feet  were 
swollen  and  very  sore,  my  knee  was  painful,  and  I  felt 
that  it  was  impossible  to  reach  my  place  of  destination.  ,  I 
had  walked  many  miles  that  day,  and  was  well  nigh  ex- 
hausted with  fatigue  and  hunger." 

A  few  days  after  this  he  ^^^nt  to  an  auction,  and  for  a 
small  sum  purchased  a  horse  very  humble  in  appearance. 
With  this  he  performed  the  remainder  of  his  agency,  and 
Tio  one,  however  secluded,  feared,  when  he  approached,  that  a 
"  great  or  grand  man^''  was  coming  to  mock  at  his  poverty. 

Well  do  the  mothers  and  children  remember  M'Dowall, 
and  with  the  deepest  feeling  do  they  relate  his  tender  ap- 
peals to  their  children  to  love  and  obey  their  parents,  and 
give  their  best  days  to  the  God  who  made  them.     It  was 

8» 


90  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

remarked  of  him  when  in  Rhode  Island,  that  he  seldom,  if 
ever,  visited  a  family,  but  he  left  some  impress  of  himself 
which  could  never  be  effaced,  and  which  was  worthy  to 
be  remembered.  A  few  extracts  from  his  journal  while  in 
Rhode  Island,  will  give  the  reader  a  little  specimen  of  his 
labors  while  there. 

May  26th,  1828,  Monday.— Took  the  steamboat  for 
Providence.  Defended  the  character  of  Dr.  Beach  against 
the  aspersions  of  an  Unitarian  Episcopalian.  Learned 
more  of  lotteries. 

Tuesday. — Arrived  at  Providence.  Called  on  the  Secre- 
tary and  the  President  of  the  Society.  President  called  a 
meeting  to  attempt  the  formation  of  an  Auxiliary  Tract  So- 
ciety in  each  town  in  the  State,  and  to  invite  the  friends  of 
religion  to  cordially  co-operate  with  them  in  the  effort  to 
accomplish  the  object. 

Wednesday. — Left  my  baggage  at  Mr.  Wilcox's.*  Rode 
to  Pawtucket.  Kindly  received  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Shurtleff, 
who  gave  me  an  account  of  the  usefulness  of  a  Tract  in  his 
congregation. 

Thursday. — Donation  to  the  Sunday  school  in  Paw- 
tucket. Gave  Tracts  to  the  ladies  to  promote  the  object 
of  the  Society.  Returned  to  Providence.  Went  to  Pawtuxet, 
Natuck,  Coventry,  Washington,  Centreville,  Greenville. 
Sunday,  addressed  the  Sunday  school  scholars  in  Cen- 
treville. 

Distributed  Tracts.  Monday,  East-Greenwich ;  Tuesday, 
North  Kingston ;  Wednesday,  South  Kingston ;  Visited 
Stonington  Borough,  Hopkington,  distributed  Tracts  in 
the  school-house;   went  to  Pavircatuck  bridge,  lectured, 

♦  This  family  remember  and  speak  of  him  in  the  most  affectionate 
and  christian  manner.  His  early  rising,  his  ceaseless  energy  in  his 
work,  hia  kind  and  faitliful  admonitions  to  the  children,  are  kept  in 
the  liveliest  remembrance.  Mrs.  W — -  has  kept  a  favorite  hymn 
which  Mr.  McDowall  often  read  when  in  the  family,  and  penciled 
his  name  at  the  bottom  as  the  language  of  his  heart,  and  which  seem- 
ed in  a  peculiar  manner  applicable  to  himself. 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  91 

distributed  Tracts ;  went  from  town  to  town,  and  in  some 
towns  from  house  to  house,  till  every  town  in  Rhode 
Island  was  visited.  Returned  to  Providence ;  formed  an 
auxiliary  in  Mr.  Waterman's  church — twenty-seven  sub- 
scribers on  the  spot.  It  was  an  interesting  season.  More 
good  feeling  exhibited  in  this  place  than  usual.  Here  I  saw 
the  tear  glisten  in  the  eye,  lovely  aflection  beam  in  many  a 
face.  O  how  joyous  such  a  sight !  how  cheering,  how 
bracing!  I  was  encouraged  to  go  on  in  this  good  work. 
Went  to  Borrilville  ;  delivered  a  discourse  at  Chepacket. 
Distributed  Tracts  in  each  place — some  disturbance.    Dr. 

S retired  from  the  meeting;  soon  returned;  at  the 

close  said,  he  would  read  a  discourse  that  would  show  the 
Tract  business  was  all  hypocrisy — a  scheme  to  catch  mo- 
ney. The  letters  of  a  few  Free-will  Baptists,  who  were 
known  by  persons  present,  of  different  ministers  and  gen- 
tlemen of  different  denominations,  and  of  Mr.  Shaw  from 
Chepacket,  confuted  the  doctor  so  completely  that  he  be- 
came silent,  and  soon  left  the  house. 

The  ladies  take  hold  of  this  work  with  great  efficiency. 
Many  are  deeply  interested ;  things  appear  well.  "You 
have,  say  many,  done  more  than  any  agent  that  has  pre- 
«!eded  you." 

13/A. — Attended  a  meeting  in  the  first  Baptist  vestry  in 
Providence.  Spoke  on  the  Christian  desire  to  do  some- 
thing for  the  production  of  gospel  fruit.  Slept  but  little, 
heard  every  bell  from  one  to  six;  was  quite  unwell. 

Went  to  Sterling,  in  Connecticut ;  staid  with  Elder  B  ; 
walked  to  his  residence  from  Chesunt-hill,  in  Killingly, 
Connecticut;  road  rough;  feet  blistered;  to  walk  is  quite 
impossible  ;  know  not  how  I  shall  get  along.  Elder  Bur- 
ringham  carried  me  to  the  gate.  Esquire  Holden's  son 
carried  me  to  the  offset,  then  rode  to  Providence  upon  a 
leathern  trunk  lashed  behind  upon  a  stage ;  was  enveloped 
in  a  cloud  of  dust.     Thus  I  rode  into  Providence. 


92  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

I7lh. — Went  to  Scituate,  Coventry;  attended  Elder 
Stone's  bread-breaking. 

Wednesday. — Lectured  at  the  Hope  Factory,  a  professor 
of  religion  told  me  he  wished  to  search  it  to  the  bottom, 
and  see  if  it  were  not  a  speculation.  The  Free-will  Bap- 
tist Magazine  loas .  How  the  devil  does  sometimes  get  the 
•upper  hand  of  God's  people,  and  use  them  to  build  up  his 
•own  kingdom. 

One  minister  objected  to  life  members  and  directors 
being  made  by  donations  ;  to  the  publishing  of  names  and 
the  sums  given,  because  that  would  induce  men  to  give 
from  impure  motives,  also  impenitent  men  would  give. 

And  can  you  devise  a  better  way  ?  If  we  do  not  publish 
the  opposer  will  say  we  pocket  the  money.  Am  I  to  ask 
a  man  whether  he  is  a  christian  before  I  consent  to  re 
ceive  his  free  will  offerings  ?  We  should  impress  upon 
men  the  necessity  of  correct  motives  for  action,  and  leave 
matters  with  them  and  their  God. 

28^A,  29/A. — Confined  most  of  the  time  to  my  room. 

ZOth. — Sailed  to  Warren,  and  walked  thence  to  Bristol. 

^\st. — Delivered  a  lecture  in  the  Catholic  congrega- 
tional church  to  a  large  audience,  composed  of  Episcopali- 
ans, Baptists,  Congregationalists,  and  Methodists. 

Sept.  20th. — Attended  general  muster,  and  gave  many 
Tracts.  Returned  to  Providence ;  Deacon  Stone  gave  me  a 
passage  with  his  son.  Yesterday  very  tired  and  sick;  had 
no  dinner  ;  walked  much. 

Onthe  llth. — Formed  the  Rhode  Island  State  Anti- 
Swearing  Society,  and  opened  a  subscription  to  print  and 
distribute,  in  Rhode  Island,  50,000  copies  of  the  Swearer's 
Prayer. 

Began  on  Saturday  night  to  board  with  Mrs.  Bolles.* 

«  This  lady  was  called  on,  since  Mr.  M'Dowall's  decease,  to  make 
inquiries  of  her  acquaintance  with  him  as  a  Christian  while  a  mem 
ber  in  her  family.  Her  answer  was,  "1  cannot  speak  much  of  Mr- 
M'Dowall,  my  feelings   overpower    me.     His  godly  conversation. 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  93 

Monday,  \^tk. — Went  to  Oneyville,  to  Warwick,  Cen- 
treville, Washington,  Jackson,  and  returned  to  Providence 
sick  ;  arrived  at  half  past  12  at  night. 

October  2Sth. — Went  to  Centre ville  for  my  chaise  and 
horse;  returned,  detained  by  the  Rhode  Island  Bible  So. 
ciety.  Procured  subscribers  for  the  Rhode  Island  Union, 
for  the  promotion  of  the  reverend  use  of  the  name  of  God- 
Procured  subscribers  for  the  Anti-swearing  Society. 

November  ith. — Began  to  act  as  the  agent  of  the  Rhode 
Island  Bible  Society. 

November  1th. — Sailed  with  Capt.  Cohoon  to  Block 
Island.    He  was  kind  and  charged  nothing. 

Left  Block  Island  in  an  open  boat  for  London. 

\^th. — Came  to  Newport  sick. 


PuoviDEKCE,  March  17,  1829. 
Rev.  VVm.  A.  Ilallock,  Corresponding  Secretary  of  the  American  Tract  Societj-. 

Sir, — Mr.  J.  R.  M' Do  wall,  who  has  for  some  time  been 
employed  as  agent  for  the  American  Tract  Society  within 
the  state  of  Rhode  Island,  having  relinquished  the  agency, 
is  novv  about  to  return  to  New- York.  The  Board  of 
Directors  of  the  Providence  Religious  Tract  Society  feel 
it  incumbent  on  them  to  express,  through  you,  to  your 
Board  of  Managers,  their  grateful  sense  of  the  kind  regard 
which  they  have  manifested  towards  the  wants  of  this 
Society,  and  the  many  obligations  we  are  under  for  the 
very  efficient  aid  which  we  have  received  through  the 
instrumentality  of  said  agent,  in  establishing  a  permanent 
depository  in  this  town,  subject  to  our  immediate  direction 
and  control ;  also  to  testify  to  the  untiring  zeal  and  inde- 

his  faithful  labors — his  early  rising,  and  his  interest  for  my  children, 
«re  ever  before  me  when  his  name  is  mentioned  ;  and  my  children, 
though  young  when  he  was  with  us,  remember  him  with  the  kindest 
atfection. 


94  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

fatigable  labor  of  said  agent,  in  endeavoring  to  excite  a 
Jiew  interest  in  the  cause  of  Tracts  throughout  the  State. 

At  the  time  he  commenced  his  labors  among  us  our 
citizens  generally  had  taken  but  little  interest  in  the  cir- 
culation of  Tracts,  save  a  few  societies  which  were  insti- 
tuted with  very  limited  means  for  the  accommodation  of 
christians,  for  particular  religious  bodies.  The  Tract  sub- 
ject had  not,  in  its  most  interesting  character,  been  pre- 
sented to  the  public  view ;  and  indeed,  in  many  of  our  coun- 
try towns  the  inhabitants  were  principall}"-  ignorant  of  the 
nature  and  existence  of  such  institutions,  consequently  the 
first  proposition  made  to  them,  with  a  view  to  obtain  their 
co-operation  in  this  benevolent  design,  was  regarded  in 
numerous  instances  with  jealousy.  Many  good  people 
considered  their  utility  somewhat  doubtful,  and  fears  were 
entertained  lest  they  should  have  a  tendency  to  promote 
sectarian  views ;  and  in  the  minds  of  others  strong  preju- 
dices existed  against  all  such  institutions,  as  having  for 
their  origin  ambitious  or  speculative  motives. 

Under  these  peculiar  circumstances  the  exertions  of 
your  agent  have  been  very  perplexing,  and  without  divine 
assistance  the  difficulties  which  he  has  had  to  encounter 
would  seem  to  be  almost  insurmountable  ;  but  this  aid 
has  been  afforded  him,  and  these  difficulties  he  has  been 
oble  in  a  great  measure  to  overcome. 

You  will  perceive,  by  referring  to  the  Report  of  this  So- 
ciety, embracing  its  operations  for  the  past  year,  a  copy 
of  which  will  be  transmitted  to  you  by  our  secretary,  the 
success  which  has  attended  his  labors,  particularly  in  the 
establishment  of  numerous  auxiliary  societies  within  our 
borders,  many  of  which,  though  small  at  present,  yet  we 
trust  will  ere  long  become  more  flourishing  and  very  effi- 
cient within  their  own  particular  districts. 

Owing  to  a  combination  of  circumstances,  partly  from 
facts  enumerated  above,  partly  from  the  heretofore  unex- 
plored state  of  our  country  towns  in  reference  to  matters 


REV.    JOHN     R.    M  DOWALL.  95 

of  this  kind  and  an  acquaintance  with  the  habits  and 
views  of  their  inhabitants,  the  agent  has  been  subjected  ta 
some  pecuniary  losses,  which,  we  are  fully  sensible,  for 
the  credit  of  our  State,  ought  to  be  remunerated. 

But  as  this  Society  is  yet  in  its  infancy,  and  as  our 
calls  have  been  very  frequent  upon  the  liberality  of  our 
citizens  for  help  to  build  up  the  Depository,  and  for  the 
gratuitous  distribution  of  Tracts,  we  are  at  present  wholly 
unable  to  do  for  him  what  we  are  conscious  ought  to  be 
done ;  yet  we  hope  the  peculiar  circumstances  of  his  case 
will  be  duly  considered  by  your  Board,  trusting  that  by 
the  blessing  of  Divine  Providence,  ere  long  the  hearts  of 
our  wealthy  citizens  will  be  more  generally  inclined  to 
wards  us,  and  that,  together  with  our  own  continued  exer- 
tions in  this  benevolent  object,  our  feeble  efforts  will  meet 
with  such  success  as  shall  enable  us  to  obtain  some  surplus 
funds,  which  we  can  communicate  to  the  aid  of  your 
Treasury,  and  thus  assist  in  promoting  the  grand  design, 
and  discharge  the  obligations  we  are  under  to  the  Parent 
Institution  for  its  repeated  favors. 

Done  at  a  special  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Directors  of 
the  Providence  Auxiliary  Religious  Tract  Society,  held 
at  Providence,  March  17th,  1829. 

Signed  by  William  C.  Snoav,  President.    ' 

Samuel  C  Snow,  Secretary. 

The  fifth  Report  of  the  Rhode  Island  Sunday  School 
Union  again  mention  the  labors  of  Mr.  M' Do  wall  in  the 
fall  of  1829.  The  Report  says:  "In  view  of  the  impor- 
tance of  the  Sabbath  School  cause,  and  anxious  to  extend 
its  advantages,  your  Board  of  Managers  accepted,  com- 
missioned, and  sustained  the  agency  of  Mr.  J.  R.  M'Dowall, 
who  visited  this  State  at  the  request  of  the  American  Sun- 
day School  Union,  as  their  Agent,  charged  to  promote  the 
interests  of  your  Society."  In  his  Report  he  says  :  "  My 
labors  commenced  on  the  first  day  of  October,  and  closed 


96  JIEMOIR    or    THE 

on  the  lOlh  of  November.  In  my  various  journeys  I 
traveled  about  200  miles  in  Rhode  Island.  The  amount 
raised  by  subscription  is  $280.  I  made  it,  both  in  private 
circles  and  public  assemblies,  a  leading  object  to  communi- 
cate intelligence  to  those  to  whom  I  supposed  it  would  be 
useful.     The  effect  can  only  be  known  by  the  future." 

The  Report  further  states,  "  There  are  about  forty  Sab- 
bath-schools in  Rhode  Island,  and  about  four  hundred 
school  districts." 

Mr:  M'Dov.-all  has  been  engaged  to  superintend  the 
agency  the  approaching  season,  and  to  associate  with  him 
a  sufficient  number  of  well  qualified  agents  to  assist  in  the 
work. 

In  accordance  with  this  design,  the  sixth  Annual  Report 
states,  Mr.  J.  R.  M'Dowall  was  employed  as  general 
Agent  of  the  Ameiican  Sunday  School  Union,  assisted  by 
Messrs.  Boggs,  Armstrong,  Andrews,  Mines,  and  Alex- 
ander, from  the  Theological  Seminary,  Princeton,  New- 
Jerscv;  and  Messrs.  Luther,  Crawford,  and  Horace  A. 
Wilson,  of  Brown  University,  whose  united  labors 
amounted  to  fifty-five  weeks.  In  the  month  of  May  last, 
1833,  they  commenced  their  labors,  and  during  that  and 
the  succeeding  month  visited  every  part  of  the  State. 
The  zeal  and  devotedness  in  which  they  engaged  in  the 
work,  and  the  ability  with  which  they  discharged  the 
duties  assigned  them,  is  best  learned  from  the  results 
which  have  flowed  from  their  undertaking.  From  the 
Report  of  Mr.  M'Dowall,  received  at  the  close  of  his 
agency  in  July  last,  we  learn  that  during  the  time  in  which 
they  were  employed  83  new  schools  were  formed,  aux- 
iliary to  the  State  Union,  and  53  schools  not  auxiliary, 
making  a  total  at  the  close  of  this  agency  of  164  schools, 
106  of  which  were  in  connection  with  this  Society,  show- 
in"-  an  increase  in  the  short  space  of  two  months  of  83 
schools,  388  teachers,  3,462  scholars,  and  additional  libra- 
ries containing  upwards  of  9000  volumes. 


REV.     JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  97 

From  this  account,  the  good  effects  that  have  flowed 
from  the  employment  of  agents  will  at  once  be  under- 
stood. The  result  of  the  experiment  has  more  than  realized 
the  anticipations  of  the  most  sanguine,  and  every  friend 
of  the  Institution  must  rejoice  at  such  success.* 

Having  terminated  his  labors  in  Providence  as  agent 
for  the  American  Tract  Society,  he  returned  to  Princeton. 
for  the  purpose  of  resuming  his  Theological  studies.  We 
here  return  to  his  journal. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 


Return  to  Princeton — Reflections  on  various  subjects — Reading  Ser- 
mons— African  school — Joined  Princeton  Presbytery — Appetite — 
Visits  in  African  families — On  inducing  people  to  read  the 
Bible  through — Pleasant  interview — Inquiries  to  know  duty  respect- 
ing future  labors — Left  Princeton  for  New- York — Visit  to  Five 
Points — Horrid  scenes  and  depravity  exposed — Appeal  to  ladies — 
An  African's  excuse  not  to  attend  meeting — Called  to  see  a  corpse 
— Preached  Christ — John  Stratford — Labors  continued — Sailors 
— Lotteries. 

Princeton,  July,  1830. 
Returned  from  New  England  on  an  agency  for  Rhode 

Island  Sunday  school.  Was  requested  to  accept  the  ap- 

♦  In  no  place  do  we  find  the  labors  of  M'Dowall  so  highly  appre- 
ciated, while  he  was  living,  as  at  Rhode  Island.  It  may  be  said  of 
him  that  his  "  praise  is  in  all  the  churches,"  wherever  he  M'enl. 
Though  some  derided,  and  some  opposed,  and  many  were  astonished, 
and  a  few  feared  he  had  come  to  "  turn  the  world  upside  down,"  and 
a  remnant  set  themselves  in  battle  ai^ray,  yet  their  hostility  was  of 
short  duration.  This  they  have  abundantly  testified  in  the  many 
kindnesses  they  have  shown  him  during  his  protracted  sufferings  in 
New- York.  Relief  has  often  reached  him  from  that  source  v/hen 
greatly  needed ;  and  not  long  before  his  death  he  mentioned  to  a 
friend  the  great  obligation  he  was  under  to  that  people  for  remem- 
bering him  in  his  low  estate,  and  added,  "  I  have  full  proof  I  have 
friends  in  Rhode  Island.'' 

9 


98  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

pointment  of  general  agent  for  the  state  of  Tennessee,  i<y 
execute  the  resolution  of  the  American  Sunday  Schocl 
Union  in  that  State,  but  declined. 

July  Ath,  Sabbath  day. — A  hard  heart ;  had  hard  feel- 
ing's towards  a  Christian  brother,  and  denied  the  truth  ot 
an  assertion  of  his  ;  had  but  little  benefit  from  Dr.  A.'s 
sermon,  as  a  consequence.  In  the  evening,  at  Mr.  Baird's 
request,  I  gave  a  very  brief  statement  of  what  was  done  in 
Rhode  Island ;  felt  dissatisfied  with  myself,  pride  wounded. 

Monday,  July  5th. — Began  a  little  treatise  for  youth, 
on  the  evidences  of  the  Christian  religion.  Monthly  con- 
cert in  the  evening.  Good  news ;  the  village  splendidly  il- 
luminated. O  how  little  given  to  Christ  this  evening,  but 
much  to  the  devil. 

Friday,  July  9tk — Slept  late — lost  Hebrew  lesson.  O 
shame  on  me  for  it !  Of  this  I  need  repentance.  Resolved 
to  read  the  Bible  through  once  a  year.  One  more  day  is 
o-one  ;  there  is  in  night  a  solemn  silence,  it  reminds  me  of 
the  stillness  of  the  tomb.  Great  God,  prepare  me  for 
that  hour. 

Sabbath,  July  II ih. — Slept  late  ;  why  did  I  do  it?  Why 
did  I  not  with  the  morning  sun  rise  to  see  the  new  beau- 
ties of  the  waking  earth,  and  glories  of  a  risen  Savior, 
even  the  Lord  Jehovah  Jesus  ?  I  heard  a  sermon  from  R. 
H.  read.  Christ  says,  '*  Go  ye  into  the  world  and  (not 
read  but)  preach  my  Gospel  to  every  creature."  The  effect 
of  this  reading  was,  but  few  were  benefited  by  his  dis- 
course. Two  near  me  were  reading  novels,  some  were 
half  asleep,  others  \vere gazing  about  with  a  vacant  stare; 
while  it  was  evident  the  majority  scarcely  knew  there 
was  a  man  before  them  declaring  the  everlasting  Gospel. 
O  had  Paul  been  there — there  preaching,  would  it  have 
been  a  reading  preaching?  Would  not  the  bursts  of  his 
eloquence  have  carried  his  audience  away ;  at  times  mak- 
ing them  tremble  for  fear,  at  others  weeping  for  sorrow, 
and  at  others  rejoicing  with  gladness? 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  99 

It  is  no  wonder  so  many  take  no  delight  in  going  to  the 
house  of  God.  Indeed,  they  can  procure  some  person  lo 
read  to  them  as  good  a  sermon  at  home,  and  in  a  better 
style  than  that  in  which  ministers  read  :  for,  generally 
speaking-,  they  have  a  most  unpleasant  and  drawling  tone, 
impairing  the  richest  productions  of  their  midnight  re- 
searches. O,  this  reading  of  sermons  :  how  shameful  ! 
let  me  never  be  guilty  of  it  while  health  and  strength  re- 
main. 

Went  oat  to  my  African  school,  and  found  it  in  a  fine 
situation.  The  house  in  which  it  is  held  is  nicknamed 
t!ie  Black  College.  The  character  of  this  people  before 
the  school  commenced  was  vicious,  rioting,  dancing, 
drinking,  visiting  :  the  house  was  a  place  of  resort  for  peo- 
ple of  color  in  the  country.  Before  two  months  had  ex- 
pired, the  practice  of  visiting  and  trifling  away  the  Sabbath 
disappeared.  The  school  is  improving  ;  yet  holidays,  O 
miserable  holidays;  days  of  dissipation,  riot,  and  debauch- 
ery— they  nearly  extirpated  it  on  Christmas  and  New 
Years. 

In  the  Oratory  we  have  had  an  interesting  meeting. 
The  subject  was,  How  shall  we  spend  this  session  the 
most  profitably  ?  By  the  selection  of  a  few  friends  of  conge- 
niality of  feeling  and  taste  for  intimates,  to  whom  we  can 
unbosom  our  cares  and  trials,  and  temptations  and  joys  ; 
the  habit  of  social  intercourse  in  pious  company,  where 
practical  and  experimental  religion  shall  be  the  main 
subject  of  discourse ;  the  cultivation  of  love  to  God  and 
man  ;  the  exercise  of  the  kindlier  feelings  of  our  na- 
ture ;  the  noble  elevation  of  moral  feelings,  which  places 
man  above  the  contemptible  and  sinful  practice  of  wound- 
ing the  feelings  of  those  who  differ  from  us  in  theolo- 
gical opinions. 

August  od. — This  day  joined  Princeton  Presbytery. 
Tears  burst  involuntarily  and  copiously  from  my  eyes,  on 
he'iDg  examined  on  experimental  religion. 


100  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

Aug.  7 in. — I  am  prone  to  sin.  Appetite  becomes  a 
frequent  occasion  of  sin.  Having  eaten  until  I  am  full, 
lust  gets  the  control  of  me.  Inbred  corruption,  O  how 
strong  !  My  example  is  not  so  holy  as  it  should  be.  I 
fear  I  have  done  much  evil  to  my  brethren.  Be  not  par- 
takers of  other  men's  sins,  is  a  fearful  saying,  for  surely 
the  Lord  imputes  the  sin  of  one  man  to  another,  in  certain 
circumstances.  Lord,  lay  no  man's  sins  to  my  charge.  For- 
give me,  justify  me,  by  the  imputed  righteousness  of  thy 
Son,  and  sanctify  me  by  the  Holy  Spirit. 

8th. — This  morning  brother  A.  accompanied  me  on  a 
visit  to  three  African  families.  The  subject  of  missions 
occupied  our  attention — foreign  fields  particularly.  I 
told  him  I  thought  of  the  Jews,  but  had  nearly  relin- 
quished it,  on  account  of  the  present  state  of  my  system. 
The  propriety  of  making  an  effort  to  induce  every  mem- 
ber of  every  family  to  read  the  Bible  through  once  every 
year,  I  proposed  to  him — a  plan  which  appeared  feasible. 
We  walked,  we  prayed,  we  talked,  we  returned,  and  re- 
tired to  our  closets.  The  importance  of  evangelic  men  in 
places  of  trust,  such  as  professorships  and  presidencies,  is 
of  vast  moment.  They  mould  the  youthful  character. 
Such  men  should  fill  the  seats  of  learning. 

ISih. — For  some  days  past  I  have  had  some  considera- 
ble consolation  in  religion.  Life  is  on  the  wane.  The 
question,  what  shall  I  do  for  God  and  my  race,  pressed 
hard  on  my  mind.  Sometimes  I  am  almost  resolved  to 
devote  my  life  to  study — sometimes  to  active  labor  in  fo- 
reign fields — sometimes  to  the  diffusion  of  knowledge  on 
particular  subjects  in  theology — sometimes  to  the  life  of  a 
pastor — sometimes  to  an  Evangelist — but  latterly  to  the 
importance  of  persuading  men  to  read  the  Bible  through 
once  every  year.  This  is  resting  with  importance  on  my 
mind.     The  Bible  is  neglected. 

I  have  just  read  the  life  of  Luther.  What  a  Gospel 
hero  !    A  mind  of  the  first  order  graced  his  earthly  house. 


REV.     JOHN     R.     m'dOUALL.  101 

"What  a  pioi 

:?aid  he  studied  it  more  than  any  of  his  predecessors  lor  a 

thousand  years.     Indeed,  God  honors  those  who  honor  his 

word. 

Se.pteitiber  2SlL — Settled,  and  left  Princeton,  on  foot,  for 
New- York.  Attended  the  first  prayer-meeting  of  the 
city  missions.     A  pleasant  season. 

dOth. — Saw  Mr.  Arthur  Tappan.  He  pays  my  board, 
also  that  of  my  brother. 

October  1st. — Organized  the  Society  for  the  moral  and 
religious  improvement  of  the  Five  Points. 

Oct.  5th. — Visited  about  one  hundred  families.  Saw 
one  house  of  ill-fame,  where  the  girls  were  beautiful  and 
elegantly  dressed.  It  is  said  the  house  in  which  they 
live,  is,  by  will  of  the  late  occupant,  left  to  this  class  of 
women. 

It  is  painful  to  see,  in  the  centre  of  New-York,  the  ten- 
der sex  destitute  of  the  semblance  of  modesty.  To  see 
young  women,  of  w-anton  eyes,  of  impure  speech,  spread- 
ing their  nets  for  the  silly  youth — the  young  man  whose 
love  of  virtue,  whose  sense  of  character,  whose  regard  for 
sisters,  whose  kindly  feelings  to  his  race,  should  inspire 
his  soul  with  lofty  sentiments  of  all  that  is  lovely,  and 
amiable,  and  of  good  report.  Yes — for  the  young  man 
whose  heart  should  revolt  at  such  scenes.  Truly,  Solo- 
mon has  wisely  and  minutely  drawn  the  character,  pro- 
gress, and  end  of  these  deluded  souls.  O  to  grace,  how 
great  a  debtor  am  I !  'Tis  grace — grace  alone  makes  me 
to  differ.     To  grace  be  all  the  glory. 

Oct.  Qth. — Visited  fourteen  families.  It  is  a  pleasant 
work  to  instruct  the  poor  and  ignorant.  We  are  kindly 
received,  often  urgently  invited  to  revisit  them  again.  But 
O,  the  harlots  !  How  numerous  !  Modesty  and  purity 
forbid  a  minute  detail.  A  passing  remark  on  some  is 
ventured.  I  think  I  am  safe  in  saying,  some  of  these  wo- 
^en  have  noble  lineage.     For  strength  of  intellect,  gene- 

9* 


102  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

lal  knowledge,  and  elegant  taste,  perhaps  few  ladies  in 
the  city  can  excel  a  few  at  the  Five  Points.  Why  are 
such  women  at  this  place  ?  Is  it  improbable,  these  nobler 
ones, being  unfortunate  in  love,upon  their  seducer's  eloping, 
were  disowned  by  brothers,  despised  by  sisters,  rejected  by 
parents,  and  abandoned  by  their  associates.  In  this  dilem. 
ma ;  depressed,  despised,  and  cast  off;  penniless,  without 
shelter,  and  broken-hearted,  denied  a  residence  in  the  dwell- 
ing of  parents  and  friends  ;  the  last,  the  fatal  resort,  is  to  the 
more  respectable  seats  of  ill-fame,  where,  after  serving  the 
unhallowed  purposes  of  barbarous  masters  and  mistresses, 
and  men  in  elegant  attire  and  in  honorable  stations,  they 
are,  when  ruined,  disgraced,  and  diseased,  with  merciless 
brutality  driven  from  these  seats  of  refined  iniquity  in  high 
places,  these  mints  of  common  night-walkers.  Fallen 
from  the  bosom  of  parents,  brothers  and  sisters,  friends 
and  paramours,  one  step  more  remains,  it  is  the  Five 
Points.  Necessity  now  binds  to  the  commission  of  crime. 
Cut  ofT  from  all  intercourse  with  the  reputable  and  virtu- 
ous in  society,  their  daily  food,  drink,  and  apparel  is  only 
attainable  in  the  ways  of  vice.  The  choice  is  now  re- 
duced to  immediate  death  by  starvation,  or  remote  disso- 
lution  by  disease.  The  alternative  is  speedily  chosen. 
A  few  days  or  weeks  intervene,  and  worms  riot  on  their 
bodies,  and  Satan  on  their  souls.  But  where  are  their 
guilty  murderers  ?  The  young  seducer  of  unsuspecting, 
■virgin  modesty,  stands  at  the  head  of  the  catalogue ;  next 
rank  our  men  of  fashion  and  professions  ;  then  the  cata- 
logue closes  with  a  list  of  sailors  and  negroes.  O  !  what 
a  list  of  accessaries  to  their  ruin  !  And  yet  these  murder- 
ers, with  impunity  and  eclat,  move  in  the  circles  of  the 
young  and  the  fashionable. 

Can  this  be  Christianity  ?  No.  The  religion  of  Jesus 
has  no  unhallowed  connection  with  such  crimes.  Christi- 
anity will  add  to  her  benevolent  institutions  in  New- York 
what  she  has  been  compelled  to  add  in  other  lands — <i 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL  i03 

Magdalen  Asylum.  Ladies,  ladies,  your  suffering  sex 
demands  this  at  your  hands— the  Savior  demands  it. 
Say  not  to  them,  "  Be  ye  warmed,  and  be  ye  fed,"  and  be 
ye  virtuous,  while  no  bowels  of  mercy  move  relief  Of 
your  sex,  some  are  fallen.  Raise  them.  Take  from  them 
the  necessity  the  nature  of  the  case  imposes  on  them  to 
be  vicious,  then  give  them  the  Gospel  of  peace. 

Sabbath. — AX  half  after  8,  visited  the  Five  Points. 
Opened  the  school.  Ten  teachers  and  forty  scholars. 
Another  should  be  opened  without  delay.  More  efficient 
measures  needed.  At  one  in  the  afternoon,  about  thirty 
scholars  were  present  at  the  gate,  eagerly  waiting  for  the 
opening  of  the  school.  What  a  sight !  The  streets  filled 
with  Sabbath  school  scholars !  God  bless  us,  even  our 
poor  defective  services,  for  Christ's  sake. 

An  African  would  not  come  to  our  school,  because  he 
saw  no  Christianity  in  America.  He  was  born  in  Africa. 
Christians  enslaved  his  people.  He  had  seen  no  chris- 
tians here.  Noio  the  christians,  finding  the  blacks  were 
becoming  too  numerous,  wished  to  send  them  abroad.  A 
black  man  could  not  get  license  to  wheel  a  cart  in  New- 
York.  The  rulers  of  the  nation  are  wicked  men,  and 
Avith  such  men  he  wished  no  intercourse.  He  would  not 
come  to  the  school  or  visit  a  religious  meeting.  This  is 
the  amount  of  his  remarks. 

Oct.  12i^L-— A  harlot  came  to  tell  me  a  corpse  lay  in 
the  adjoining  house,  and  wished  me  to  see  it ;  so  we  fol- 
lowed the  miserable  woman,  who  led  us  through  a  deep 
dark  alley  to  a  flight  of  steps  which  led  us  to  an  upper 
apartment  in  which  the  corpse  was.  Strange  sights ! — 
one  stool,  one  tub,  one  little  poor  pallet,  one  table,  one 
board,  and  one  broom,  I  believe,  composed  all  the  house* 
hold  furniture.  On  that  table  lay  the  dead  man.  Here 
we  took  our  stand,  and  preached  Jesus  Christ,  and  read  to 
ihem  the  word  of  God.    Some  soon  left  us ;  others  came 


104  MEMOIR    or    THE 

and  went.  My  feelings  were  strange,  indescribable. 
Any  man  hazards  his  good  name  being  seen  loitering  in 
the  vicinity  of  the  Five  Points,  what  then  do  I  hazard 
having  such  a  multitude  of  these  creatures  around  me  in 
this  place?  But  my  soul  was  in  grief.  I  knew  God,  the 
righteous  Judge,  was  omniscient  and  just,  and  whatever 
man  miq-ht  think  of  me  would  not  influence  the  final  Judo-e  ; 
so  I  stood  firm  in  conscious  innocence  of  evil  purpose, 
and  found  strength  in  discharging  my  dut3\  While  I 
read  the  sacred  Scriptures  they  were  attentive.  A  fine 
opportunity  to  impress  on  their  minds  the  scenes  of  a 
future  meeting.  Death,  and  heaven*  and  remission  of  sin, 
were  my  great  themes,  blended  with  appeals  to  their  con- 
sciousness of  misery's  being  connected  with  vice.  But  in 
heaven  there  is  pure  pleasure.  Then  I  spoke  to  them 
thus  : — "  Think  of  your  course.  In  it  there  is  no  pleasure 
unmingled  with  pain.  The  more  vicious  you  are,  the 
more  miserable  you  are.  Think  of  your  guilty  revelry 
at  midnight,  those  fierce  and  fiery  forebodings  of  the  just 
judgment  of  your  Maker  ;  of  your  parents,  who  loved  you, 
educated  and  trained  you  to  virtue,  now  broken-hearted, 
sorrowing,  going  down  to  the  grave;  of  sisters  afiiicted — 
of  brothers  mortified — of  relations  grieved  ;  of  your  bo- 
dies abused,  your  souls  injured — of  God  offended — of 
heaven  lost — of  hell  gained,  whose  agonies  you  now 
anticipate  as  the  earnest  of  your  inheritance. 

Here  lies  a  man  ;  his  body — his  soul  is  in  heaven  or  hell. 
Behold  in  him  your  future  state  ;  soon  a  winding-sheet  for 
your  body  and  flames  for  your  souls— precious  souls. 
Think  on  your  future  state;  you  cannot  look  death  unaf- 
frighted  in  the  face,  you  cannot  sleep  quietly.  O  the  guilty 
conscience  that  interrupts  your  pleasure,  falsely  so  called. 
True^  true,  one  replied.  Then  why  will  you  not  seek 
peace  in  being  purified  by  the  blood  of  Jesus  ?  Hear 
what  is  written,  "And  the  Spirit  and  the  Bride  say,  come." 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  105 

*'  Wash  you,  make  you  clean,  put  away  the  evil  of  your 
doings,  cease  to  do  evil,  learn  to  do  well." 

One  man,  the  son  of  a  minister  in  a  neighboring  city, 
asked  why  we  had  come  to  torment  him  before  the  time  ? 
He  said  the  following  passage  in  Genesis  had  lately  come 
to  his  mind,  and  troubled  him  much :  "  And  now,  if  you 
will  deal  kindly  and  truly  with  my  master,  tell  me,  that  I 
may  turn  to  the  right  hand  or  to  the  left." 

October  lith. — Being  out  inviting  persons  to  attend 
the  Thursday  evening  meetings,  my  brother  told  a  young 
man  from  the  country  he  was  grieved  to  see  him  in  such 
a  place.  He  was  asked,  what  his  mother  would  think  of 
it.  Our  venerable  old  protector  Mr.  C.  advised  him  to 
leave  the  place  immediately.  He  was  then  told  such  houses 
were  the  toll-gates  of  hell.  He  was  advised  to  read  the 
book  of  Proverbs,  the  following  extract  in  particular. 
*'  My  son,  keep  my  words,"  and  the  chapter  through. 

This  young  man  was  an  infidel.  The  influence  of  in- 
fidelity is  exhibited  in  the  following  quotation  from  the 
London  Tract  Magazine  : 

John  Stratford,  who  was  executed  at  Norwich,  in  August 
last,  for  murder,  confessed  his  guilt,  and  with  tears  ex- 
claimed, '*  I  attribute  my  downfall  prmarlli/  to  reading 
Paine's  Age  of  Reason,  Carlisle's  recent  works  :  and  the 
secondary  cause,  to  an  unlawful  connection  w4th  an  aban- 
doned woman. 

A  minister  who  visited  him  in  prison  says : 

"1  inquired  of  him  what  had  been  the  general  course 
of  his  life  previous  to  this  last  awful  act?" 

He  replied,  '' he  had  maintained  a  tolerably  good  cha- 
racter for  honesty  and  fair  dealing ;  that  he  was  formerly 
in  the  habit  of  going  to  church  and  to  different  dissenting 
places  of  worship." 

"  I  asked  him  if  he  had  not,  in  any  different  period  of 
his  life,  embraced  infidel  sentiments  ?"  I  shall  never  forget 


10t5 


MEMOIR    OF    THE 


his  reply,  his  look,  and  his  manner.   The  question  seemed 
to  rouse  him  from  his  torpor. 

He  exclaimed,  "  I  did,  sir,  to  my  disgrace,  to  my  ruin, 
2nd  perhaps  to  my  eternal  destruction." 

He  said  he  had  not  denied  the  existence  of  a  God,  but 
he  had  speculated,  and  denied  the  existence  of  a  devil.  He 
had  read  Paine's  Age  of  Reason,  which  had  been  his 
ruin. 

I  inquired  to  what  conduct  these  infidel  principles  led  ? 
He  replied, 

"Of  course  to  Sabbath  breaking,  the  entire  neglect  of 
public  worship,  and  to  bad  company.  Then  I  became 
connected  with  gamblers.  Thus  my  heart  was  so  hardened 
that  I  was  prepared  for  the  most  guilty  conduct." 

Any  gentleman  may  satisfy  himself  that  this  is  truth, 
by  visiting  the  Five  Points  regularly  but  for  one  week^ 
and  pushing  his  inquiries  to  the  extreme. 

A  record  of  the  scenes  which  will  pass  before  bis  eyes, 
and  the  confessions  of  the  guilty,  abandoned  men  and  wo- 
men, voluntarily  made,  will  force  unbelief  in  the  above 
stated  connection  between  vice  and  crime  fo  ever  to  retire 
from  his  heart.  I  have  seen  the  downward  course;  I  daily 
hear  it  described  by  the  vicious  ;  and  often,  too,  in  language 
the  most  affecting.  1  have  seen  those  who  in  infancy  were 
taught  to  fear  God,  obey  his  commandments,  and  reverence 
the  house  of  the  Lord,  lying  in  filth  at  the  corners  of  the 
streets,  and  in  cellars.  I  have  heard  them  bewail  in  tears 
their  folly,  and  trace  their  first  departure  from  virtue  to 
the  perfidity  and  seduction  of  those  who  moved  in  the  first 
circles,  and  would  fain  be  called  gentlemen. 

At  the  meeting,  six  unfortunate  females  attended.  One 
was  the  daughter  of  a  lawyer ;  one  had  but  just  made  her 
appearance  at  this  place  of  death — she  is  a  broken-hearted 
female.  For  six  years  a  young  man  in  the  city  paid  his 
addresses  to  her;  the  time  of  their  marriage  was  fixed  ;  lie 
is  in  a  few  days  to  be  married  to  another. 


REV.    JOIIX    R.    IvrDOWALL.  107 

"O!"  said  this  disconsolate  woman,  "  I  loved  him  as  my 
life ;  he  deceived  me :  he  is  to  be  married  to  another.  When 
1  think  of  my  state,  I  am  in  trouble  ;  I  wish  to  die,  but 
when  1  think  of  it,  I  am  afraid  ;  [  wish  I  was  as  good 
as  my  parents." 

This  is  her  simple  story.  As  she  told  it  tears  stole  down 
her  cheeks.  0  !  what  guilt  young  men  in  this  city  incur, 
and  in  every  other  city.  God  is  a  righteous  Judge,  he  will 
not  pass  them  by  unpunished.  No  man  who  values  his 
good  name  should  speak  to  a  person  who  betrays  or  se- 
duces a  female.  No  man  should  admit  to  the  society  of 
his  sisters  or  his  daughters  the  man  who  loses  his  cha- 
racter. The  odium  of  a  virtuous  society  should  be  rolled 
upon  his  head.  1  hold  such  a  man  to  be  an  un worth  v  and 
highly  dangerous  member  of  society. 

I  spake  to  these  women  in  an  affectionate  manner:  yet 
at  times,  perhaps,  w^ith  too  much  severity  and  animad- 
version. 

"  Will  you  throw  yourselves  away?  Will  you  ruin 
your  souls  for  ever?  Will  you  bring  to  the  grave 
parents,  and  sisters,  and  brothers,  in  sorrow?  If  you  are 
desirous  of  leaving  this  place,  a  refuge  is  provided  for 
you.  Some  have  gone  before  3^ou,  and  now  give  good  evi- 
dence of  being  born  of  the  Spirit  of  C4od.  The  prodigal 
son  returned  to  the  bosom  of  his  father;  the  prodigal 
daughter  may  return.  Contrast  your  situation  with  what 
it  was  a  short  time  since  ;  then  you  sat  by  the  fire-side  of 
your  parents,  and  enjoyed  their  smiles :  sisters  virtuous, 
and  brothers  proud  of  your  chastity  and  love,  were  the 
happy  companions  of  your  better  days,  which  days  you 
may  again  enjoy,  so  far  as  it  is  possible.  In  the  Refuge 
you  will  find  friends  who  Avill  take  you  by  the  hand  and 
point  you  to  the  Savior  of  Mary  Magdalen.  In  the  end 
of  women  about  you,  read  your  own  end,  if  you  stay  here 
any  longer. 

Flee,  flee  from  this  place,  and  never  be  seen  here  again  ! 


103 


ME3I0IR    OF    THE 


At  this  place  we  see  sailors  and  seamen  from  every  part 
of  the  globe.  Here  their  consciences  are  seared,  their 
understandings  darkened.  We  labor  for  the  salvation  of 
their  souls. 

What  an  evil  influence  goes  out  on  the  world  from  this 
great  city  ! 

The  Five  Points  degrade  the  sailors :  our  sailors  de- 
grade the  heathen.  Witness  the  miseries  of  our  Mission- 
aries, imposed  by  our  seamen  in  foreign  ports.  Again,  the 
theatres,  these  chapels  of  the  devil ;  more  converts  to  sin 
and  Satan  are  made  here  than  at  the  Five  Points. 

Here  maidens  lose  that  delicacy  of  feeling,  that  retiring 
modesty,  that  inward  value  of  purity  in  conduct  which 
robes  females  in  habiliments  of  terror  to  false*hearted  men, 
whose  "words  are  sm.oother  than  oil," — and  throws  around 
the  domestic  fireside  a  rampart  for  the  defence  of  virtue, 
impervious  to  the  deliberate  assassin  of  character. 

The  Lotteries  !  these  strew  flowers  in  the  pathway  to 
perdition,  alluring  the  simple  and  swindling  all  who 
patronize  them.  Deception  and  falsehood  are  deeply  inter- 
woven in  this  whole  system.  Many  a  laborious  man, 
whose  little  family  relies  on  his  daily  earnings  for  food, 
shelter,  and  protection,  and  virtuous  training,  is  sadly  de- 
ceived; for  the  father,  having  bought  a  ticket  and  drawn 
a  blank,  mortified  by  the  loss,  in  hopes  of  retrieving  his 
first  fatal  step,  takes  one  more  in  obedience  to  his  hopes, 
fostered  by  the  fact,  one  prize  of  $1000  had  been  sold  at 
the  office,  and  strengthened  by  the  seller's  opinion  that 
success  may  attend  his  next  efiort.  Another  ticket  is 
taken.  A  small  prize  is  drawn.  The  discount  is  made, 
and  a  loss  again  is  the  resuh  upon  striking  the  balance 
between  the  prize  and  the  price  of  the  ticket. 

A  faint  hope  now  inflames  the  mind  of  a  more  success- 
ful attempt ;  and  as  the  lottery  ticket  vender  is  accommo- 
dating, and  willing  to  discount  his  prize,  and  sell  him  a 
quarter  or  complete  set  of  numbers,  the  simple  man  counts 


REV.    JOHN    R.    M  DOWALL.  109 

th-e  sellers  of  lottery  tickets  his  friends,  and  buys  more 
largely.  In  this  way  he  proceeds,  and,  whether  successful 
or  not,  ruin  is  soon  superinduced ;  and  the  Five  Points' 
riots  inform  the  Alderman  these  men  are  waiting  the 
administration  of  justice. 


CHAPTER  XV. 


Groceries — Gambling — Reflections  on  lust — On  the  wages  of  sin — 
Cruelty  of  the  keepers  of  houses  of  infamy — Manner  of  leading  fe- 
males to  the  Five  Points — Progress  of  the  school — Difi&culties  in  the 
way  of  females  who  wish  to  leave  the  abodes  of  sin — Indifference  in 
the  city  to  the  cause  of  reform — Faithfulness  in  preaching — Females 
taken  to  the  refuge — Character  of  the  seducer. 

« 

The  g  rocerie.s — dram-shops.  Their  influence  is  obvious. 
It  is  acknowledged — it  is  seen — it  is  felt.  Every  house  of 
ill  fame  I  have  seen  is  an  house  of  this  character. 

The  females  drink  to  intoxication.  Strong  drink  kin- 
dles the  passions  of  their  visiters.  Theft  is  the  usual 
result.  Many  cases  could  be  cited  of  recent  occurrence. 
I  have  seen  those  who  have  been  robbed,  turned  from  the 
house  by  its  keeper,  and  abused  in  the  streets  by  the  vilest 
of  men. 

Groceries  are  the  outicorks  of  the  Five  Points. 

Gambling  is  known  to  be  common  in  these  places.  It 
appears  that  I  am  quite  safe  in  inferring,  from  an  extensive 
acquaintance  of  facts ;  that  in  the  degree  to  which  a  man 
proceeds  in  gambling,  cards,  dice,  horse-races,  infidelity, 
irreligious  reading,  sabbath-breaking,  swearing,  neglect  of 
public  worship,  scepticism,  to  that  same  degree  there  is 
the  strongest  presumptive  evidence  that  m.an  is  guilty  of 
impurities  not  fit  to  be  named. 
.  10 


liO  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

The  question  is  often  asked, 

'•  Why  are  so  few  men  joined  in  holy  life  to  the  Lord 
Jesus,  openly  confessing  him  before  men  ?" 

One  answers  :  "  Because  men  have  too  much  good  sense 
to  be  imposed  on  by  priestcraft ;  they  are  superior  to  vague 
fears  and  superstitious  misgivings,"  &c. 

But  I  unhesitatingly  say,  in  the  fear  of  my  final  Judge, 
"  1  am  persuaded  there  is  no  one  vice  so  ruinous,  or  any 
thing  which  has  a  name,  that  operates  so  powerfully 
against  the  salvation  of  man  as  lust.  Combine  all  the 
engines  of  vice,  and  in  the  lusts  of  the  flesh  you  have  one 
single  giant  that  is  sovereign  of  them  all." 

Where  he  rules,  the  Gospel  of  Jesus  Christ  is  powerless, 
except  in  being  a  savor  of  death  unto  death. 

What  multitudes  from  this  city  are  his  subjects :  multi- 
tudes of  lawyers,  physicians,  merchants,  accountants' 
clerhs,  private  gentlemen,  daily  laborers,  servants,  nominal 
christians,  and  ungodly  minisfers,  is  known  only  to  him 
who  seeth  in  secret  all  the  deeds  of  darkness. 

What  St.  Paul  said  of  the  heathen  in  the  year  he  wrote 
to  the  Romans,  I  will  say  of  thousands  in  this  city.  Read 
the  first  chapter  of  Romans. 

Nor  from  this  dark  picture  v/ill  I  diminish  ought,  save 
the  changing  of  the  glory  of  God  into  creeping  things 
and  four-footed  beasts,  and  unless  lam  laboring  under  an  al- 
most incurable  error,  there  are  those  here  who  do  even  that. 

Now,  the  great  focus  of  all  this  vice  is  enclosed  by 
Broadway,  Bowery,  Chatham,  and  Walker-streets.  The 
Five  Points  and  vicinity  is  the  place  where  all  these  rays 
concentrate  and  glow.  But  it  would  be  well  for  America 
if  this  boundary  enclosed  all.  Iniquity  is  enthroned  in 
high  places.  The  splendid  carriage  bears  in  its  roll  many 
a  female  of  distinction  for  family  and  for  wealth,  abandon- 
ed to  refined  vice.  She  has  her  admirers — they  are  ie\\% 
but  wealth V.     Their  wealth  is  her  v/ealth.     Sl^e  is  mis- 


REV.    JOHN    R.    h'dOWALL.  Ill 

tress,  they  are  the  slaves.  They  give  their  wealth  unto 
her,  and  their  "years  unto  the  cruel." 

At  the  Five  Points  we  see  the  effects  of  gambling  and 
its  accompaniments,  of  lotteries,'circuses,  theatres,  &e.  <fcc. 
concentrating  their  influence  in  a  whirlpool,  from  which 
few  that  enter  escape. 

Saturday  evening,  October  IQih. — Wearied,  I  sat  dovvn 
to  review  some  of  the  occurrences  of  the  day.  Where  to 
begin  is  matter  of  doubt  in  my  mind. 

The  Bible  tells  us,  "the  wages  of  sin  is  death."  Who 
oan  doubt  it  ?  The  infidel — the  atheist  cannot,  and  he  who 
believes  in  a  Divine  Revelation  will  not.  The  sceptic  is  a 
fool,  and  believes  most  of  the  things  he  denies.  Among 
ihe  rest,  he  believes  that  sin  is  the  cause  of  death.  Ho 
cannot  disbelieve  it.  He  sees  it.  Nor  are  his  visual  or- 
gans deranged. 

Then,  if  sin  is  the  cause  of  death,  let  it  be  shown  on 
any  correct  principle,  that  sin  does  not  produce  the  death 
of  infants.  It  is  a  law  of  nature,  that  like  begets  like.  It 
holds  in  the  animal  and  vegetable  kingdoms.  Revelation 
teaches  the  same  doctrine,  deducible  from  the  most  obvi- 
ous principles  of  natural  religion.  "  Adam  begat  a  son  in 
his  own  likeness."  Nor  has  it  pleased  the  Most  High  to 
alter  that  constitution  of  things.  If  devils  had  had  confer- 
red on  them  the  high  honor  of  multiplying  their  species, 
every  common-sense  man  would  unhesitatingly  admii,  i: 
would  be  unnatural  for  them  to  beget  an  offspring  unlike 
themselves.  Indeed,  the  man  who  denies  the  doctrine  oC 
the  Bible  on  this  point,  is,  on  the  same  principle,  bound  to 
deny  the  Providence  of  God, 

Men  laugh  at  what  they  are  unable  to  disprove. 

1  have  selected  death  as  the  subject  on  which  to  speak, 
because  it  is  the  most  dreaded  of  all  human  miseries. 

Some  deaths  are  awful.  Such  is  the  death  of  impurity. 
Ood  has  fenced  virtue  by  scorpions.   Their  sting  embitters 


112  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

the  death  of  the  licentious.  Gall  and  wormwood  mingle 
in  their  cup  of  misery. 

The  mercies  of  the  wicked  are  cruel. 

So  long  as  a  master  or  mistress  can  make  money  by 
keeping  these  women,  food  and  raiment  are  provided  for 
them  ;  but  a  system  of  cruelty  is  practiced  in  all  these  cases 
which  would  make  the  ears  of  an  Algerine  to  tingle. 
Despotism  in  its  most  cruel  form,  or  the  atrocities  of  the 
bloody  inquisition,  can  scarcely  surpass  or  equal  the  atro- 
city, the  brutality  of  the  depraved  keepers  of  these  houses. 
Soldiers  are  tied  to  the  post  and  whipped  for  crime,  but  they 
are  whipped  according  to  the  pre-enacted  laws  of  war, 
which  allow  them  the  benefits  of  a  regular  trial. 

These  women  are  whipped,  but  not  for  crime — whipped 
because  they  are  unwilling  to  submit  to  so  many  unfeeling 
monsters  ;  or  for  expressing  a  desire  to  leave  the  place. 
Indeed,  force  and  cruelty  are  the  law  of  the  day  in  these 
houses.  Nor  does  this  complete  the  tale  of  wo.  When 
disease  comes  on,  they  are  turned  into  the  streets  to  die, 
heedless  of  their  entreaties  and  cries. 

Two  such  I  found  to-day.  One  has  been  an  offcast  for 
several  weeks.  She  lives  without  a  friend,  in  a  room  ne- 
groes use  for  debauchery.     What  deeds  of  depravity  ! 

When  the  influences  of  the  Spirit  are  withdrawn,  men 
will  stop  but  little  short  of  demon  conduct.  And  yet  the 
consummate  wickedness  of  these  men  and  women,  who 
decoy  unsuspecting  females  into  their  base  service,  is  fre- 
quently shrouded  under  a  sanctimonious  regard  for  pu- 
rity, morality,  and  religion.  The  deception  of  the  evil  one  is 
in  their  hearts,  and  the  poison  of  asps  is  under  their  tongues. 

Daily  experience  teaches  me  that  all  who  visit  harlots' 
houses  are  deceivers,  hypocrites,  and  cruel  men.  I  ex- 
clude sailors.  Sailors  are  too  honest,  in  most  cases,  to 
deny  their  crimes. 

Many  of  these  women  have  come  to  me  and  desired  to 
be  relieved. 


REV.    JOHN    R.     M  DOWALL.  llo 

'•01''  Sdid  one,  "you  come  to  do  us  good — oihor  men 
:orae  to  abuse  us."' 

One  came  to  me  and  asked  if  I  had  the  "  Valwi  of  (re 
^02iL"  She  took  a  Tract,  Saw  Alderman  Strong-.  He 
kindly  sent  some  little  refreshments  to  two  abandoned, 
diseased  women,  helpless  and  dying. 

The  unfortunate  women  decoy  their  fi-iends  to  the  place 
by  alluring-  promises  and  representations,  without  inibrir.- 
iug  them  of  the  character  of  the  place.  This  done,  stronj; 
beer  and  other  kinds  of  drink  are  given  to  them.  AVhile 
this  operates,  their  ruin  is  achieved.  Disgrace  and  fear 
prevent  their  retreat. 

Some — many  select,  this  place:  and  thus  commenco 
their  disgrace  and  guilt.  Others,  indeed  most  of  them, 
have  been  seduced  and  abandoned  by  young  men,  or 
abused  and  deserted  by  their  unfeeling  husbands — others 
are  allured  by  the  desire  of  line  clothing — others  by  the 
hopes  of  wealth,  luxury,  and  ease. 

Sabbath,  Oct.  17th-, — The  exclusive  thought  now  occu- 
pying my  mind,  is  similar  to  the  good  man's  when  moved 
by  the  Holy  Ghost :  Surely  th^re  is  no  fear  of  God  be- 
fore their  eyes.  At  the  close  of  our  meeting,  two  young- 
men  in  gay  attire,  "  void  of  understanding,"  drew  near. 
They  ascended  the  steps  in  front  of  the  house  where  vre 
stood.     One  called  out — 

"Eli^a — Eliza:  I  am  your  friend,  Eliza — I  have  staiil 
here  before." 

"  There  are  no  girls  here,"  was  the  answer  from  a  Je- 
male  within. 

The  windows  were  closed,  and  the  young  simpletons 
retired  disappointed,  uttering  words  purity  condemns. 

The  fear  of  God  would  have  prevented  the  appearance 
of  these  simple  youths  at  this  place.  It  is  by  such  a  course 
the  kindlier  feelings  of  the  heart  are  obliterated.  A  vene- 
ration for  strict  truth  and  justice  is  destroyed.  A  fixed 
expectation  of  future  rewards  and  punishments  is  weak- 
10* 


114  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

ened — a  sense  of  accountability  effaced — and  a  reverence 
for  God  and  his  word  comes  to  be  considered  as  a  super- 
stitious weakness.  And  yet,  what  pusillanimity  marks 
these  men  !  They  steal  off  in  secrecy,  in  the  "  dark  and 
black  night,"  aided  by  corrupt  and  wicked  accomplices 
engaged  to  conceal  what  they  know.  The  agency  of  these 
accessaries  is  executed  by  abandoned  measures.  At  each 
successive  step  their  agency  becomes  more  necessary,  and 
their  society  more  familiar.  These  vile  measures  and 
vile  men  are  soon  his  only  measures  and  his  only  com- 
panions. His  mind  is  rapidly  corrupted. — See  Dr. 
Dwight's  Sermon. 

At  the  school  about  seventy  scholars  in  the  morning, 
and  more  than  one  hundred  in  the  afternoon.  Many  sai- 
lors, some  Spaniards,  many  grown  Africans,  have  made 
great  improvement.  The  school  was  very  orderly.  Five 
ladies  visited  and  collected  scholars ;  much  interest  mani- 
fested in  the  place. 

The  people  do  not  know  what  this  vigorous  movement 
means.  They  are  wondering,  talking,  and  afraid.  The 
intermission  was  devoted  to  prayer  and  conversation  with 
poor  sinners. 

In  the  evening  about  forty  boys  and  youths  assembled. 
But  O  what  a  scene !  We  soon  closed.  Tumult  and 
noise  were  the  design  of  these  miserably  wicked  chil- 
dren. Sullen,  dark,  and  malicious  feelings  manifested  them- 
selves in  some  children. 

Many  had  not  taken  breakfast  at  twelve  o'clock,  because 
the  nights  here  are  devoted  to  dissipation,  vice,  and  riot. 
Many  are  asleep  until  near  ten  o'clock  in  the  morning. 
Much  effort  requisite  to  break  up  their  disorderly  conduct. 

Many  say,  law  and  force  alone  can  restrain  these  peo- 
ple ;  but  I  have  no  hopes  of  seeing  virtue,  order,  and  de- 
corum created  by  mere  human  laws.  Human  laws  exe- 
cuted may  do  much  good  in  this  place.  But  before  people 
can  govern  themselves,  and  possess  and  cherish  correct 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL»  115 

ririnciples,  a  change  of  heart  is  necessary.  Men  must  feel 
bound  to  reverence  God  and  obey  his  precepts.  Pure  re- 
ligion, and  a  governing  sense  of  accountability  to  the  great 
Lawgiver  of  the  human  race,  who  sits  upon  the  circle  of 
the  heavens,  must  be  possessed  before  this  people  will  be 
elevated  to  character. 

Returning  from  school,  while  distributing  Tracts  to 
some  sailors,  a  constable  came  and  said— 

•'  I  have  no  doubt  your  motive  is  ^ood,  but  your  little 
books,  however  good,  are  useless  here.  0  !  these  people 
are  beyond  God." 

*'  That  is  your  saying.  The  power  of  God  is  infinite. 
Even  harlots  here  are  trembling  in  view  of  a  future  retri- 
bution. Some  have  disappeared — some  have  gone  to  the 
refuge,  and  give  decided  evidence  of  piety." 

There  is  a  great  change  at  the  Five  Points.  I  am  con- 
vinced these  seats  of  iniquity  can  be  broken  up  by  the 
efforts  of  the  pious.  Let  the  Bible  be  read  to  all,  and 
prayer  and  conversation  close  the  interview.  Let  these 
visits  be  frequent.  Let  them  be  conducted  in  christian 
meekness  and  love.  Pious  females  should  engage  in  it. 
Not  less  than  three  or  four  should  go  in  company ;  six 
would  be  better.  Let  one  gentleman  go  with  them.  0 ! 
what  good  might  be  done  in  this  way ! 

One  active  young  lady,  a  teacher  in  our  Sunday  school, 
enters  alone  the  most  degraded  of  these  abodes.  The  in- 
mates are  afraid  of  her.  She  brings  the  miserable  of  her 
sex  to  the  place  where  they  learn  sacred  things.  Great 
good  is  done. 

Went  to  the  Five  Points  and  found  one  of  these  poor 
women  who  are  on  the  town.  She  had  promised  to  leave 
the  place,  but,  by  the  persuasion  of  her  associates,  continued 
there  still.  We  sent  her  away  in  a  hack  to  the  Magdalen 
Refuge.  Others  promised  to  go,  but  their  keepers  and 
companions  ridiculing  them  and  us,  and  saying  many 
hard  things,  they  are  detained. 


116  ME5I0IR    OF    TKE 

From  the  story  of  the  poor  woman  sent  away  to  day,  it 
appeared  many  of  these  wicked  females  wished  to  follow 
her  ;  but  by  artifice,  cunning,  ridicule,  promises,  and  threat- 
enings,  they  arc  prevented.  One  promised  to  leave  the 
place.  Little  dependence  can  be  placed  on  their  promises ; 
for  if  one  sinner  destroys  much  good,  what  will  a  multi- 
tude do  ?  While  we  talk  to  harlots  they  tremble.  In  the 
silence  of  night,  unless  overpowered  by  strong  drink,  con- 
science resumes  her  wonted  task  and  goads  them. 

To  dissipate  care  and  anxiety — to  silence  conscience  and 
exclude  reflection  on  the  guilt  of  their  conduct,  and  the 
contrast  of  their  present  and  former  state,  society  is  sought 
by  day  in  the  street,  by  night  at  their  doors,  or  at  the 
corners  of  the  streets,  or  at  the  theatres.  The  books  they 
read — the  conversation  they  have — the  plans  they  form — 
the  thoughts  they  cherish— the  society  they  keep — and  the 
ends  and  means  of  their  governors  and  governesses,  tend 
conjointly  to  corrupt  them  more  and  more. 

Under  these  influences  Avhat  can  be  expected  7  The 
feeble  resolution  of  a  moment  is  chased  like  chaff  before 
such  a  force  of  inward  corruption  and  the  external  influ- 
ence of  others.  Is  it  strange  they  should  uot  leave  the 
place?  Indeed,  so  soon  as  a  female  is  willing  to  go  she 
should  be  sent  away. 

Why  so  little  interest  in  this  city  to  relieve  these  miser- 
able beings,  and  purify  the  community?  Can  it  be  the 
people  of  God  will  remain  any  longer  inactive  ?  Let  them 
imitate  their  blessed  Lord,  and  publicans  and  harlots  will 
from  this  place  enter  the  kingdom  of  heaven.  Some  are 
now  on  the  way :  others  have  gone.  More  shall  go,  for 
the  Lord  will  bless  the  effort. 

October. — Went  to  the  Tract  House:  returned  to  Five 
Points,  and  found  my  brother  and  Mr.  Cunningham,  who 
had  collected  seven  harlots  in  an  upper  room.  The  most 
of  them  had  previously  promised  to  leave,  but  now  were 
<]ecided.    Six  of  these  were  carried  away  to  the  Refuge  in 


REV.    JOHN    R.     m'dOWALL.  117 

a  hack.  Before  leaving,  we  preached  Jesus  Christ  as  the 
only  Savior  of  sinners.  While  we  were  at  prayer,  one 
afflicted  one  prayed  in  bitterness  of  spirit.  At  the  close 
she  preached  a  sermon  to  the  others,  that  for  point  and 
power  would  grace  a  doctor's  desk.  They  felt  its  point  and 
power.  The  woman  who  remained  tried  to  prevent  her, 
but  in  vain.  One  said  she  would  not  go.  This  was  the 
occasion  of  the  address. 

"  You  know,  if  you  stay  here,  your  soul  will  go  to  hell. 
Why  will  you  not  go  and  repent  of  your  sins,  that  your 
soul  may  be  saved?  I  thank  God  for  sending  christians 
to  this  place  to  lead  me  back  again  to  the  right  way.  If 
you  stay  here,  you  know  you  must  continue  in  sin  or 
starve.  You  will  soon  be  glad  to  go  w^hen  unable  to  help 
yourself.  You  had  better  go  and  serve  the  Lord,  for  he 
is  merciful,  and  will  forgive  you.  You  have  served  the 
devil  long  enough.  Why  will  you  not  go  .^"  She  prayed 
and  wept  bitterly. 

The  thought  of  leaving  one  in  that  dreadful  place  gave 
her  pain,  and  she  plead  with  them  earnestly.  "You know 
we  are  degraded,  despised,  and  hated  here.  You  know  it, 
you  feel  it.  Do  reform.  O  let  us  save  our  poor  souls. 
Come,  go  with  us."  "  I  am  a  widow  ;  I  have  children 
to  support,  what  shall  I  do  with  them  ?  I  cannot  go.  I 
must  go  to  my  friends  in  the  country." 

The  coach  being  ready,  fear  and  shame  operated  power- 
fully on  their  minds.  What  a  sight!  Six  Five  Point  fe- 
males crossing  Orange,  and  entering  a  hack  in  Cross- 
street.  As  they  w^ent,  a  farewell  was  occasionally  given 
to  an  old  associate  in  sin. 

As  we  passed,  the  coachman  said,  the  same  hack  last 

winter  carried  a  company  of to  the  same  house  from 

which  these  were  taken,  for  which  they  agreed  to  give  him 
ten  dollars.  Five  were  paid.  The  poor  man  w^aited  nearly 
all  the  night  in  vain. 


118  MEMOIR    OF    TEE 

We  arrived  at  the  refuge.    R was  the  first  they  saw. 

"  Well,  R ,  here  are  your  old  friends.     They  have 

followed  you  ;  they  come  to  be  virtuous." 

The  keeper,  Miss ,  now  appeared. 

"  Here,  madam,  are  more  prodigals  ;  they  are  returning; 
receive  them  kindly. 

By  this  time  a  third  female  appeared,  surrounded  by  her 
unfortunate  sex.  She  was  silent.  Tears  rolled  down  her 
cheeks.  She  was  once  what  those  who  surrounded  her 
had  lately  been.  But  grace  had  changed  her  state.  She 
is  a  woman  of  superior  mind. 

In  the  afternoon  we  visited  the  Five  Points  ;  made  seve- 
ral calls.  Having  given  two  females  "Jane  Thring,''  they 
came  to  the  side- walk  and  stood  before  me.  They  were 
addressed, 

"Young  women,  you  are  in  the  road  to  hell.  Why 
will  you  ruin  so  many  young  men  2  When  disease  comes 
upon  you,  you  will  be  houseless,  penniless,  friendless, 
abused  and  insulted,  degraded,  and  suffering.  You  may 
for  weeks  plead  in  vain  for  a  shelter  from  the  cold,  for 
<^arments  to  cover  and  food  to  nourish  you.  You  are  de- 
stroying  the  souls  of  young  men." 

"  Young  men  have  ruined  us." 

There  was  too  much  truth  in  their  retort,  to  be  rebutted 
by  a  denial.  It  is  tiue,  more  baseness  marks  the  conduct 
of  many  a  young  man  who  is  respected  by  society,  than 
can  be  found  in  any  woman  at  the  Five  Points.  He  is  a 
seducer.  He  is  a  traitor  after  seduction.  He  boasts  of 
the  muUitude  of  his  trophies ;  prides  himself  among  the 
impure  and  vile  school  of  adulterers,  among  whom  he  has 
the  unenviable  rank  of  chief  robber  of  domestic  concord 
and  purity. 

What  a  disgusting  object  is  he !  Let  his  name  rot.  I^t 
him  be  had  in  everlasting  contempt. 

"  Young  women,  you  are  ruining  your  souls  ;  yes — 
hear  from  the  Bible,"  taking  it  from  my  pocket. 


REV.  JOHN   R.   m'dowall.  119 

But  at  this  instant  they  danced  away,  as  I  repeated, 

"  Her  steps  take  hold  on  hell." 

Two  young  men,  genteelly  clad,  were  present, 

"  My  young  friends,  I  am  a  young  man.  Once  I  was 
in  equal  danger  with  yourselves  of  being  led  astray.  Take 
this  Tract  on  the  seventh  commandment  and  read  it.  It 
may  be  the  means  of  saving  your  souls.  This  is  the  toll- 
gate  of  hell.     I  am  sorry  to  see  you  in  it." 

What  an  array  of  young  men  might  be  mustered  in  this 
city,  from  those  who  are  on  the  tov/n,  out  of  common  bro- 
thels, and  the  more  reputable  houses  of  ill  fame. 

It  is  becoming  difficult  to  procure  admission  to  some  of 
these  houses,  and  an  opportunity  to  converse  with  them. 


CHAPTER    XYL 


Papacy  and  Paganism — Search  the  Scriptures— Ti^jit  to  (he  ilefug*^— > 
Story  of  a  poor  girl — A  word  to  parent? — Evct)h>g  at  the  Tract 
House — Leaving  the  school — A  short  summary  of  his  doings — Con- 
versation with  a  wicked  woman — Close  preaching — Visit  with  Mr. 
Wheelwright  among  the  abandoned — Talk  to  a  young  man. 

Papacy  and  Paganism  are  sisters.  Paganism  has  the 
rightof  priority  of  birth.  Papacy  is  the  younger  sister. 
She  has  all  the  insignia  of  her  older  sister.  Indeed,  she 
adopted  them  to  disrobe  the  Gospel  of  some  of  its  unai- 
tractive  forms,  and  to  take  away  its  asperity  to  the  carnal 
heart.  This,  the  rites,  ceremonies,  feasts,  festivals,  and 
all  the  regalia  of  the  Rotunda  at  Rome,  that  Pantheon  abo- 
mination of  abominations,  that  congregated  mass  of  heathen 
idols,  with  tV-cir  various  modes  of  worship,  became  the  hot- 


120  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

bed  of  Romish  abominations  and  impurities.  Since  the 
alliance  of  these  two  pretended  religions  approximate  in 
nature  nearly  to  an  identity,  we  should  readily  infer  a  si- 
milarity of  effect  on  the  observance  of  these  two  systems. 
That  inference  is  justified  in  the  fact  that  both  worship  idols 
Principles  influence  conduct.  The  same  principles  pro- 
duce the  same  effects  invariably.  The  effects  of  both  are 
the  same  on  moral  conduct.  Neither  requires,  and  neither 
produces  the  peaceable  fruits  of  righleousness. 

It  is  useless  to  fill  ray  note-book  with  facts  which  daily 
occur,  to  prove  my  assertions. 

When  professing  christians  have  the  written  word  of 
God,  and  substitute  for  it  the  doctrines  and  command- 
ments of  men,  infidels  and  hypocrites  will  abound  and 
wax  worse  and  worse ;  scoffers  will  multiply  and  dogs 
grow  insolent;  and  impurity  fill  our  streets  and  enter  our 
chambers. 

In  the  main,  men  think  they  do  not  need  the  aid  of  the 
Holy  Spirit  to  create  a  new  heart  in  them,  supposing  that 
their  hearts  are  already  good,  and  that  they  have  all  the 
ability  requisite  to  any  moral  changes.  How  needless  to 
preach  to  men,  and  urge  with  vigor  that  they  are  able  to 
create  new  hearts.  It  is  but  flattering  the  evil;  and  more- 
over, it  is  an  unscriptural  and  false  doctrine.  The  great 
difiiculty,  I  daily  find,  is  to  persuade  men  of  their  impotence. 
Lord,  when  shall  the  watchmen  of  Israel  be  holy  and 
devout  men  ?  When  shall  the  day  come,  Avhen  thy  church 
shall  be  fed  by  shepherds  that  love  the  truth,  as  recorded  in 
thy  word  ?  O  hasten  the  day  that  shall  shine  on  ministers 
whose  hearts  thou  hast  sanctified  ;  the  day  when  holy 
ministers  and  holy  professors,  walking  hy  faith,  shall  form 
one  holy  army,  clad  in  the  armor  of  heavenly  truth,  to  go 
forth  under  the  guidance  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  to  fight  the 
battle  of  King  Jesus  ?  O !  let  that  day  come  speedily. 
Visited  the  Refuge,  conversed  with  one  of  those  unfor- 


REV.    JOHN    R.    M  DOWALL.  121 

tunate  women  who  left  the  Five  Points  last  May.  She 
told  me  one  female  had  gone  from  that  place  to  Heaven. 
She  appeared  to  be  on  the  track  o  f  the  one  who  preceded 
her.  I  say  appeared  to  be  on  the  track,  for  though  her 
dialect  is  that  of  Canaan,  it  is  quite  possible  she  may 
either  be  a  deceiver  or  a  deceived  one,  since  the  heart  is 
deceitful  above  all  things,  and  desperately  wicked.  The 
others  were  called.  I  read  the  51st  Psalm,  and  commented 
on  it.     They  listened,  and  some  shed  tears. 

One  fatal  step  more  and  you  are  gone  for  ever.  Leave 
this,  and  go  to  the  Five  Points  again,  and  I  will  leave  you 
there;  I  will  pass  you  and  plead  for  the  salvation  of  others. 
Here  you  are;  all  that  is  necessary  is  provided  for  you; 
we  bring  you  here  that  you  may  repent  of  your  sins,  and 
prepare  for  heaven.  With  Jesus  there  is  redemption  for 
all  those  who  put  their  trust  in  him ;  Jesus  invites  you, 
entreats  you,  commands  you  to  return.  An  outward  refor- 
mation will  not  cure  your  disease ;  the  disease  lies  deep 
in  your  heart.  Your  hearts  are  corrupt,  that  corruption 
must  be  taken  away  before  you  can  become  holy  women. 
The  heart  is  the  principal  thing  ;  the  new  heart  which  you 
want  is  that  one  which  God  creates.  David  could  not  make 
a  new  heart  for  himself,  and  therefore  he  prayed  to  God 
to  make  it  for  him.  The  new  heart  which  you  will  make 
would  be  but  a  new  polish  for  a  sepulchre  of  all  manner 
of  dead  men's  bones  and  rottenness.  Let  your  sins  trouble 
you  till  your  hearts  break  ;  this  is  the  way — a  bitter  one  it 
is — but  is  the  only  way.  "  A  broken  and  a  contrite  heart, 
O  God,  thou  Avilt  not  despise."  "The  bruised  reed  and  the 
smoking  flax  he  will  not  quench,  until  he  send  forth  judg- 
ment unto  victory."  This  is  a  weariness  to  the  flesh  for 
the  present,  but  joy  and  gladness  come  in  the  morning. 

"  If  you  feel  no  sorrow  and  heart-rending  here,  no  heart- 
strings bursting  with  agony  and  sorrow,  you  will  feel 
keener  heart-rending  where  hope  enters  not.  Come,  then, 
to  the  Lamb  of  God ;  look  to  the  Son  and  ye  shall  live.   One 

11 


122  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

of  them  said  she  had  been  unfortunate;  that  her  relation? 
often  reminded  her  of  it ;  that  she  consequently  left  home 
and  came  to  reside  with  an  aunt  in  the  city ;  that  her  aunt, 
•treated  her  with  neglect :  that  she  was  wounded  in  spirit ; 
that  her  society  was  cut  off,  and  she  became  intimate  with 
a  young  woman  who  proved  to  be  lewd,  and  led  her  into 
the  society  of  young  men ;  that  a  gentleman  in  the  city 
carried  her  to  the  Five  Points,  where  she  boarded  one 
year ;  that  her  manner  of  life  was  awfully  distressing ; 
that  Mrs.  Pierson  invited  her  to  leave  the  place:  that  she 
promised,  but  did  not  immediately  leave  ;  that  her  mind 
was  in  great  agony  so  long  as  she  remained  at  this  place 
after  the  promise  was  made ;  that  she  had  found  mercy, 
in  the  Refuge,  at  the  cross  of  Christ,  and  that  it  hurt  her 
to  talk  or  think  of  her  former  life. 

O  that  every  parent  whose  daughter  has  been  unfortu- 
nate could  hear  the  story  of  this  poor  repenting  girl,  and 
learn  to  spare  their  feelings.  To  tantalize  with  feelings  is 
cruel  and  unchristian  :  it  is  never  done  to  reclaim,  but 
always  to  vex  and  degrade  the  subject  of  misfortune.  This 
story  might  profit  the  relatives  of  those  unfortunate  fe- 
males in  teaching  them  to  be  merciful.  It  might  profit 
young  ladies  of  unsullied  character,  by  suggesting  cau- 
tion in  the  selection  of  associates.  It  might  be  useful  to 
gentlemen  in  apprising  them  it  is  impossible  to  conceal 
from  the  world  such  deeds  of  darkness  as  led  this  unfor- 
tunate woman  finally  to  the  Refuge,  or  to  shelter  themselves 
from  the  odium  of  a  virtuous  people,  or  to  keep  their  hands 
unspotted  with  blood  in  appearing  before  the  judgment 
seat  of  Jesus  Christ. 

The  dram-seller  was  angry  to-day  ;  the  truths  of  the 
Bible  were  declared  in  his  shop :  he  came  in  storming. 

"  Preach  no  false  Gospel  here  ;"  he  took  my  brother  by 
the  arm,  led  him  to  the  door,  and  pushed  him  out. 

Two  females  in  the  street  said  necessity  compelled  them 
to  leave  that  place ;    they  consented  to  go  to  the  place 


REV,    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  123 

to-morrow:  mercy  provided  for  such  women.  But  how 
these  women  patrol  the  streets,  seeking  to  destroy  silly 
youth.  Their  description  in  Proverbs  is  true  to  the 
minutest  iota:  they  are  disgustingly  impure.  O  their 
language  !    O  their  actions  !    How  fallen  ! 

Saturday. — In  the  evening  at  the  Tract  House.  It 
appeared  some  measures  unknown  to  me  were  taken  by 
my  friends  some  time  since,  which  I  am  utterly  unable  to 
explain.  Read  part  of  this  diary.  Made  some  remarks 
at  the  meeting  and  retired.  A  friend  presented  me  with  a 
new  hat. 

Sabbath. — Attended  the  school  in  the  morning.  A  series 
ef  circumstances  induced  me  to  leave  the  school  and  work 
at  the  Five  Points. 

It  appears  a  man  is  ready  to  occupy  the  field  ;  to  labor 
all  the  time ;  to  superintend  the  Sabbath  school ;  to  preach 
three  times  a  day;  to  wear  out,  and  not  to  rust  out;  that 
we  do  not  manage  in  the  best  manner  ;  that  a  society  has 
been  formed  since  I  entered  on  that  field  of  labor,  which 
has  voluntarily  assumed  the  whole  work;  that  that  society 
is  competent  to  the  work,  &c. 

This  man,  it  is  said,  is  in  the  city,  and  has  been  for 
some  weeks,  yet  I  have  not  seen  him  at  the  Five  Points. 

My  directions  from  the  city  mission,  for  which,  in  con- 
nection with  Mr.  M ,  I  have  been  laboring,  are^to 

occupy  no  field  on  which  another  society  has  entered. 

Heard  Mr.  M'Cartee  in  the  afternoon,  and  Mr.  Wood- 
bridge  in  the  evening.  My  feelings  are  very  peculiar  and 
painful ;  it  is  from  the  Lord :  my  consolation  is  drawn 
from  the  fact — God  rules  and  does  all  his  pleasure. 

In  summing  up  the  interests  of  the  school,  it  is  worthy 
of  remark,  it  was,  four  weeks  since,  opened  with  seventeen 
scholars.  More  than  one  hundred  attended  on  the  last 
Sabbath  afternoon.  I  superintended  it.  Our  teachers  in- 
creased in  proportion.  I  have  visited,  and  caused  to  be 
visited,    several  ministers  of  the    Gospel  and  rulers,  to 


124 


MEMOIR    OF    THE 


gain  their  confidence  and  support.  Those  who  aided  me 
in  the  instruction  of  the  school  did  the  same. 

My  brother  and  I  have  visited  hundreds  of  families  in 
regular  succession,  conversing,  reading  the  Scriptures,  anc^ 
praying  with  many  of  them. 

We  sent  nine  unhappy  females  to  the  alms-house  by 
Alderman  Strong  ;  seven  to  the  Magdalen  Refuge  ;  seve- 
ral are  on  the  point  of  leaving  this  capital  of  Satan  for 
the  Refuge. 

A  good  work  is  already  begun.  The  most  of  our 
prayer-meetings  were  held  in  the  houses  of  harlots. 

At  the  corner  house  between  Anthony  and  Orange, 
second  story,  we  held  meetings  daily  for  a  long  time. 
It  is  a  colored  and  respectable  family.  They  ought  to  be 
compensated  for  the  use  of  the  room. 

We  have  distributed  Tracts  in  the  hedges,  highway?, 
lanes,  and  alleys  of  the  city.  To  all  the  families  in  six 
entire  blocks  of  building,  including  several  hundred  fa- 
milies, we  distributed  the  "  Seventh  Commandment,"  by 
Dr.  Dwight. 

Many  of  these  families  said  it  was  the  first  Tract  they 
ever  had. 

The  effect  is  obvious  to  every  visiter,  in  the  order  and 
decorum  which  begin  to  prevail.  Many  persons  are  seri- 
ously disposed.  The  work  is  of  the  Lord,  and  to  his 
name  be  the  glory. 

October  25tk — One  of  those  unfortunate  women  to 
whom  the  truth  has  been  powerfully  presented,  we  found 
in  a  brothel  kept  by  a  negro.  Tears  have  often  flowed 
down  her  cheeks.  She  is  a  "  strange  woman."  We  have 
seen  her  weep  and  sob  bitterly  for  several  minutes  in  suc- 
cession ;  we  have  heard  her  confess  the  extreme  depravity 
of  her  heart,  and  immediately  after  curse  vehemently. 
She  has  often  been  heard  to  say — 

"  I  am  not  my  own  keeper  ;  the  devil  is  my  keeper  ;  I 
am  his ;  he  rules  me ;   I  cannot  rule  myself;  I  am  lost. 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  I'Zj 

None  but  God  Almighty  can  change  my  heart.  I  have 
a  wish  to  be  saved  and  get  out  of  this  place,  but  my 
heart  is  inclined  to  stay  here.  And  how  can  I  change? 
Yoi6  cannot  change  my  heart ;  /  cannot  ;  710  man  can 
'•:hange  it." 

"  True,  for  since  a  being  of  a  fixed  nature  cannot,  by  the 
constitution  of  its  being,  produce  a  being  possessing  a 
nature  different  from  its  own,  seeing  it  would  imply  a 
contradiction,  viz.  that  a  being  could  cease  to  exist  in 
one  nature  at  its  pleasure,  and  to  exist  immediately  on 
that  in  a  hew  nature,  with  new  powers.  You  say,  no 
man  can  change  your  heart.  Think  bow  desperate  your 
•disease  is ;  think  of  that  eternal  gloom  that  hangs  over 
your  prospects;  all  that  lean  say  or  do  can  bring  no  re- 
lief; you  are  sick  and  nigh  unto  death  : — that  death  of 
never-dying  misery  in  the  black  abodes  of  Beelzebub." 

'*  You  hear  of  Jesus  who  had  shed  his  blood  for  the 
remission  of  sin,  and  your  heart  hates  him;  what  ingra- 
titude can  equal  the  ingratitude  of  your  wicked  hearts  ? 
Your  heart  is  destitute  of  holiness  as  a  corpse  is  of  life. 
You  have  heard  of  the  Holy  Spirit  which  Jesus  has  sent 
into  the  world  to  convince  of  sin,  yet  your  heart  is  so 
wicked  you  cannot  ask  in  sincerity  that  God  would  give 
you  that  spirit.  O  what  a  heart !  you  say  the  devil  keeps 
it;  indeed  he  does  keep  it,  and  he  has  fortified  it;  it  is 
his  throne,  he  sits  in  it ;  he  rules  you,  it  is  true ;  you  are  a 
•child  of  the  devil ;  you  are  an  enemy  of  God.  If  Mary 
had  seven  devils,  how  many  legions  possess  you?  What 
a  heart  1  it  loves  sin  so  well,  it  chooses  to  dwell  with  the 
devil  and  be  his  cruel  subject.  It  chooses  the  society  of 
the  impure,  the  profane,  of  dogs,  of  sorcerers,  of  liars,  of 
thieves,  and  of  murderers,  to  the  society  of  the  pure,  and 
of  Jesus,  our  great  God  and  Savior.  What  a  heart ! 
chooses  to  be  full  of  all  manner  of  impure  thoughts,  feel- 
ings, affections  and  desires,  so  that  one  good  thought  can- 
-aot  find  a  place  where  to  lodge  in  it.    Your  heart  has 

a* 


126  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

thrown  off  all  restraint  of  every  kind ;  you  give  vent  to 
those  feelings,  thoughts  and  desires,  which  lie  slumbering 
in  every  unregenerate  heart. 

Woman,  the  devil  has  demolished  every  fortress  public 
opinion  reared  around  you  for  defence.  O  what  a  heart ! 
you  are  dead  in  trespasses  and  sins.  Jesus  must  give  you 
life,  or  you  will  never  have  it. 

"  Christ  died  for  the  ungodly.  You  can  bear  no  holy 
fruit  so  long  as  you  are  not  grafted  into  Christ,  the  living 
vine.  Out  of  him  it  is  impossible  to  please  God.  Out  of 
Christ,  God  is  a  consuming  fire.  Though  you  have  no 
power  to  do  good,  you  have  much  power  to  do  evil ;  you 
have  power  to  destroy  yourself;  power  to  make  your  heart 
as  wicked  as  you  will ;  power  to  lead  the  wicked  on  in  in- 
creasing strides  to  perdition  ;  power  to  be  a  partaker  of  the 
sins  of  others,  for  God  will  impute  multitudes  of  sin  to 
you  you  never  personally  committed.  Think  of  the  men 
you  have  seduced,  beguiled  into  your  coils,  and  led  to  the 
chambers  of  the  dead.  Your  guests  are  in  the  depths 
of  hell. 

"  None  who  ever  enter  your  gates  return  to  take  hold 
on  life ;  you  sit  at  the  door,  you  pace  the  streets,  you  dance 
in  obscene  mazes ;  you  hunt  for  the  precious  soul  at  the 
corners  of  the  streets,  in  the  lanes,  and  in  the  hedges  and 
high-ways,  and  brothels,  and  dram-shops,  and  card-tables, 
and  theatres,  and  circuses.  You  do  it  by  day,  you  do  it  by 
night.  Degraded  you  are ;  to  degrade  yourself  more  and 
more  you  are  determined." 

"  There  is  no  necessity  for  it ;  relief  is  offered,  you  spurn 
it.  O  woman,  woman,  think  on  your  ways,  and  turn  your 
feet  unto  the  testimonies  of  the  Lord.  Yet  you  say  it  is 
useless  to  talk  or  preach  to  you ;  why  are  you  bent  on 
ruin  ?  Do  you  mean  to  brave  the  terrors  of  the  Almighty? 
Do  you  mean,  single-handed  and  alone,  to  breast  the  flood 
of  the  fiery  pit  ?  Do  you  mean  to  imbrue  your  hands 
and  dip  your  feet  in  a  Savior's  blood  ?     Do  you  mean  to 


REV.    JOHN    R.    M  DOWALL.  127 

harden  your  heart,  to  stop  your  ears,  to  bury  care  and  re- 
jTiorse  in  strong  drink  and  dissipation  ?" 

"Merciful  news  sound  in  your  ears;  you  do  not  hear; 
you  do  not  read  the  Bible;  you  do  not  pray  without  wrath  or 
doubting.  The  Spirit  wields  his  own  word  of  truth,  and 
makes  it  the  power  of  God  unto  salvation,  or  of  death  unto 
death.  Which  shall  that  word  be  to  you,  life  or  death  ? 
Think  before  you  further  go." 


Attended  a  meeting  of  the  directors  of  the  City  Tract 
Society ;  by  request  stated  some  particulars  relative  to 
Tract  operations  at  the  Five  Points. 

Mr.  Wheelwright  walked  with  us  through  some  streets 
in  and  near  the  Five  Points.  It  was  between  ten  and 
eleven  P.M. 

We  entered  a  house ;  the  girls,  four  in  number,  looked 
on  us  with  dread,  and  began  to  fall  back  rapidly  towards 
a  door,  when  our  friend  Mr.  W.  said, 

"  We  are  come  to  pray  with  you.'! 

But  they  were  gone  in  a  trice,  save  one,  who  stood  dumb 
as  a  statue,  while  the  rapid  changes  of  her  countenance 
indicated  the  troubled  state  of  her  heart.  We  spake  to  the 
gamblers  at  the  table.  They  cursed  ;  all  was  tumult  and 
confusion.     The  master  of  the  house,  a  young  man,  said, 

"  1  must  make  a  living.   If  I  make  it,  it  matters  not  how." 

The  mistress  had  no  less  trouble  than  the  girls.  She 
was  asked, 

"  Is  not  the  Penitentiary  the  place  where  such  a  house 
gives  ground  to  lodge  you  before  morning?" 

Here  her  husband,  rushing  through  the  crowd,  ex- 
claimed, 

*'  What  do  you  say  ?  Do  you  say  you  will  put  my  wife 
in  the  Penitentiary  before  morning?" 

"  I  say,  you  expose  yourself,  your  wife,  and  all  you 
have  in  the  house,  to  be  carried  to  the  watchhouse,  and 


128  MEMOIR    OF    TKE 

thence  to  the  Peiiilentiar}'.  You  think  it  is  none  of  our  busi- 
iiess  what  sort  of  a  house  you  keep*  You  mistake.  These 
houses  are  the  greatest  curse  lo  our  country.  If  no  person 
would  protect  and  encourage  these  strange  women,  neces- 
sity would  compel  them  to  be  virtuous.  Your  houses  are 
destroying  our  sons  and  our  daughters,  and  you  are  one 
of  those  guilty  men  who  encourage,  and  receive,  and  pro- 
tect our  sons  and  daughters  to  commit  iniquity.  You  are 
a  curse  in  the  midst  of  us.  You  are  polluting  our  morals, 
destroying  our  peace,  undermining  the  fairest  pillars  of  our 
government,  and  damning  the  souls  of  our  beloved  off^ 
spring.  And  after  all  this,  after  doing  as  much  as  you 
can  to  take  away  our  property  by  harboring  and  protecting 
our  children,  our  brothers,  and  our  sisters,  and  our  rela- 
tives in  spending  their  substance,  and  being  pilfered  in  your 
house ;  after  having  set  your  trap  for  the  souls  of  our  incau^ 
tious  children  and  friends,  and  led  them  to  hell ;  after  tak^ 
ins:  away  the  morals  of  society,  the  stability  and  justice  of 
our  law^s-— do  you  ask  us,  after  all  this,  what  we  have  to  do 
with  your  mode  of  life  ? 

"  We  pray  the  vengeance  of  heaven  may  be  averted  from 
vou  and  your  guilty  house.  Guilty  man  !  you,  whose 
hands  are  red  with  the  blood  of  souls  gone  and  going  to 
the  chambers  of  death — yes,  you  need  the  blood  of  a  Sa- 
vior to  wash  away  your  sins.  O  man,  wash  you  ;  put 
away  your  sins  ;  break  off  from  this  unholy  traffic  in  souls. 
Make  not  your  house  the  gate  of  the  pit." 

The  man  seemed  to  regard  this  address  with  much  good 
feeling;   his  angry  passions  were  allayed. 

We  left  the  room,  saying  to  the  master, 

"  You  will  do  well  to  be  very  careful  how  you  step. 
What  1  have  said,  I  have  said." 

"  Bidding  them  good  evening,  we  passed  into  another 
street,  and  as  we  came  opposite  a  fine  brick  house,  we  saw 

a  man  from standing  by  the  side  of  a  woman  in  close 

conversation ;  I  stepped  near  them  and  whispered  between 
their  ears, 


REV.    JOHN    R.    M  DOWALL.  129 

*'  Her  feet  take  hold  on  hell;  her  feet  go  down  to  death." 
You  will  niourn  at  the  last,  when  your  flesh  and  your 
body  are  consumed.  Can  a  man  take  fire  in  his  bosom 
and  his  clothes  not  be  burned  ?  Think,  young  man,  think, 
and  beware  of  the  second  death.  What  do  you  think  of 
yourself?  What  would  your  mother  think  of  you  ?  What 
would  your  father  think  ?  What  would  your  sisters  think? 
How  would  you  feel  on  seeing  your  sister  abused?  That 
woman,  young  man,  is  a  sister  ?  What  would  her  brothers 
and  sisters  think  on  seeing  you  ?  O  guilty  youth  !  haste, 
begone  from  this  citadel  of  Satan,  or  your  soul  is  lost,  lost 
for  ever." 

While  talking  to  them,  they  slowly  separated ;  and  as  she 
retired  into  the  room,  she  appeared  like  one  fainting.  As 
my  brother  drew  near  to  the  door,  she  lifted  her  hands 
and  said, 

"  O,  he  will  make  a  convert  of  you." 

She  spake  under  an  overwhelming  sense  of  guilt,  con- 
fessing her  crime,  as  interrogated,  counseled  and  warned. 
The  man  trembled  as  an  aspen-leaf,  attempting  to  speak, 
but  was  unable.  His  half-broken  phrases  were  self-re- 
proach and  condemnation.  His  state,  her  state,  the  effect 
produced  on  both,  and  the  feeling  I  had,  deeply  engraved 
on  my  imagination  the  scenes  of  a  judgment-day,  when 
adulterers  and  lascivious  persons  will  shrink,  self-con- 
demned, from  the  bar  of  God,  into  the  blackness  of  eternal 
night.     What  a  solemn  time !     God   was  evidently  with 

us.     Mr.  W had  passed  into  the  house    and  entered 

into  conversation  with  the  mistress,  in  whose  eyes  the  tear 
stood  trembling.  The  master  entered  and  tried  the  old  in- 
fidel story  of  Solomon,  but  it  was  done  under  circumstances 
too  solemn  and  affecting  to  gather  praise  to  his  cause.  So 
soon  as  I  had  closed  my  conversation  with  the  adulterer 
at  the  door,  a  number  of  young  men  in  street  en- 
tered.   The  mistress,  raising  her  hands  in  fear,  exclaimed, 

•'  O,  this  is  not  the  place  for  you.  Begone,  go  away. 
Poor  sinful  youths  !" 


130  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

They  knew  not  what  to  make  of  the  new  state  of  things. 
While  they  stood  amazed,  "  Jane  Thring^''  was  placed  in 
their  hands,  with  an  affectionate  request  that  they  would 
read  it  through.  We  bid  them  good  evening,  and  wished 
them  a  safe  conduct  to  the  regions  of  the  holy  in  heaven. 

2^th. — One  woman  in  the  morning  expressed  a  desire 
to  leave  and  go  to  the  Refuge. 

"  It  will  be  a  favor,"  said  the  mistress,  "  to  take  her,  for 
she  is  sick,  and  crying  much  of  the  time.  She  is  afraid 
of  losing  her  soul." 

In  the  afternoon  she  had  changed  her  mind,  because 
she  had  been  told  no  sick  person  could  be  received. 

A  young  man  was  found  in  one  of  these  houses,  in 
which  there  were  half  a  dozen  or  more  women.  He  came 
out  of  the  chamber,  sat  down,  and  took  a  lesson.  In  this 
verse  of  the  last  chapter  in  the  Bible  you  see  it  is  written, 
"  For  without  are  dogs,  and  sorcerers,  and  whoremongers, 
and  murderers,  and  idolaters,  and  whosoever  loveth  and 
maketh  a  lie." 

"Notice — you  are  classed  with  dogs  and  sorcerers — 
you  are  made  an  associate  of  sorcerers — persons  in  alli- 
ance with  the  devil.  That  you  are  a  whoremonger,  all 
these  degraded  women  can  testify.  Nor  will  you  deny  it : 
and  that  woman  can  prove  your  character  is  stained  ;  and 
you  are  degraded  and  despised  by  the  virtuous.  But  with 
a  long  life  of  repentance  3^ou  may  perhaps  regain  what 
you  have  lost,  in  some  good  degree." 

"  How  easily  v/e  can  expose  you  !  What  a  pity  !  Poor 
young  man  !  He  has  fallen  !  But  who  sent  you  to  this 
place?  Did  your  parents?  Perhaps  you  had  lost  your 
character,  and  with  a  broken  heart,  rejected  by  friends, 
despairing  of  all  hope,  you  rushed  to  the  Five  Points,  de- 
termined to  shipwreck  the  balance  of  remaining  character. 
But  be  not  discouraged.  Think  on  your  ways.  It  is 
manifest  you  are  ashamed  of  your  conduct.  Be  not  over- 
whelmed.    How  would  it  look  should  your  poor  afflicted 


REV.    JOHN    R.    M  DOWALL.  131 

mother  enter  that  door  in  search  of  you.  Suppose  a  sis- 
ter should  come  and  plead — "Brother,  I  am  your  sister — 
you  are  degraded — reform,  and  I  will  forgive  you — nor 
shall  this  unfortunate  step  ruin  you  for  ever.  My  dear 
brother,  let  not  shame  and  anguish  overwhelm  your  soul.'' 
"  Now,  dear  friend,  go.  Never  be  seen  at  the  Five 
Points  ao-ain." 

o 

Taking  him  by  the  shoulder,  he  was  led  to  the  door  in 
a  very  friendly  manner,  and  affectionately  entreated  not  to 
sufier  shame  and  anguish  to  cause  him  to  take  away  his 
life,  like  some  of  the  unfortunate  women  who  have  lately 
gone  from  this  place  to  the  abodes  of  wo.  Our  old  friend 
Mr.  C.  said— 

"My  son,  go — never  come  into  this  place  again." 
This  young  man  was  well  dressed.  Our  affectionate 
advice  came  in  good  time,  for  he  was  in  truth  so  ashamed 
of  himself  he  could  scarcely  hold  up  his  head.  And 
what  was  still  worse,  the  girls  had  laughed  at  this  poor 
fellow  from  the  time  we  entered  the  house 


CHAPTER   XVII. 


Visit  to  the  Hook — Visit  in  Anthony  street— Card-playing — An  Infi- 
del—School opened  at  the  Dispensary— Testimony  of  Mahahi 
Lake — Story  of  a  Merchant — Sabbath-school  removed — Talk  to 
a  young  man — Visit  to  Princeton — Journey  to  Philadelphia — Mag- 
dalen Society — Conversation  on  Infidelity — Left  Philadelphia — 
Conversation  in  the  stage—Goes  to  New-York — Five  Points — .\ 
man  in  soft  raiment — Visit  to  the  Penitentiary — To  Tammany  Hall. 

October  27iJi. — Visited  the  Hook  this  morning,  and  dis- 
tributed '' Ja/ie  Thring''  to  multitudes.  This  place  is  not 
so  bad  as  Five  Points.     Saw  a  youno*  man  from  the  coun- 


3  32  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

try.  He  wept  as  we  conversed  with  him.  He  thought 
of  his  sister,  and  confessed  she  might  possibly  be  landed 
there. 

Prayed  and  read  the  Scriptures  to  multitudes  of  these 
abandoned  men  and  women.  Since  we  visited  Five  Points 
many  females  have  left  the  place. 

One  who  said  last  evening  she  would  leave  the  place,  is 
now  in  the  Penitentiary,  being  carried  away  by  the  watch 
in  the  evening. 

October  29lh. — In  company  with  Mr.  C.  visited  a  gro- 
cery in  Anthony-street.  Mr.  C.  conversed  with  two  or 
three  harlots,  while  I  seated  myself  by  a  party  at  cards 
on  the  other  side.  They  appeared  disturbed  as  they  cast 
their  e3^es  on  some  Tracts  I  held  in  my  hand,  and  without 
any  intimation  on  our  part  of  their  guilt,  one  said — 

"  This  is  no  place  for  preaching." 

I  remarked  that  if  they  were  sinners,  the  Gospel  was 
preached  to  them  ;  Christ  came  not  to  call  the  righteous, 
but  sinners  to  repentance.  Grog-shops  are  the  nurseries 
of  wicked  men,  and  the  path-way  to  poverty,  ignominy, 
and  misery  ;  and  if  sinners  are  no  where  else  to  be  found, 
grog-shops  can  show  them  by  the  dozen. 

Experience  shows  that  gambling  leads  to  ebriety,  theft, 
adultery,  murder,  and  a  long  catalogue  of  vices  which  his- 
tory blushes  to  record.  The  party  tried  to  pursue  their 
game,  but  all  was  confusion.  One  sprang  up  for  a  glass 
of  rum,  but  at  my  request  he  set  it  down :  and  after  telling 
them  I  was  not  their  enem}^  and  desired  a  social  chat 
with  them,  their  anger  died  away,  and  guilt  seemed  to 
overwhelm  them,  while  the  scenes  of  death,  judgment,  and 
eternity  were  brought  before  their  minds. 

We  left  them  in  a  serious  mood,  and  entered  a  dram- 
shop across  the  street.  Two  men  were  at  cards;  we  seated 
ourselves  by  their  sides,  and  pleasantly  asked  to  take  a 
game  with  them.  They  appeared  to  be  much  surprised, 
and  charged  us  with  insincerity.    A  bystander  said,  that  as 


REV.    JOHN    R.     M  DO  WALL.  133 

rd-playing  was  attended  with  cheating,  it  was  no  business 
for  us,  we  had  better  be  in  the  pulpit.  We  still  requested  to 
take  a  game  of  cards  with  them,  and  thought,  if  we  should 
pray  over  the  game,  God  would  bless  us.  "  But,"  says 
one,  "  you  must  not  cheat."  I  replied  that  it  was  our 
main  object  to  cheat,  and  they  must  beware  ;  and  then  ap- 
pealed to  their  judgment  if  it  would  not  be  of  great  impor- 
tance to  cheat  the  devil  out  of  their  souls.  In  perturba- 
tion, he  replied  it  would,  and  hastily  put  the  cards  in  his 
pocket,  while  we  talked  about  the  deceit  of  the  devil,  the 
wickedness  of  the  heart,  and  the  necessity  of  regeneration. 
An  infidel  without,  hearing  us  preaching  Christ,  came 
in,  and  placing  himself  before  us,  denied  the  greater  part 
of  revelation — accused  God  with  being  unjust — and  des- 
canted long  on  different  characters  in  the  Bible.  The  rest 
of  the  company  stood  round  and  responded  to  his  senti- 
ments. But  infidelity  and  blasphemy  being  charged  home 
upon  their  guilty  consciences,  chagrined  and  confounded, 
they  turned  away.  To  the  infidel  I  said,  "  Repent  or  per- 
ishy  A  controversy  exists  betw-een  you  and  God — settle 
that  dispute  by  repenting  of  your  sins  and  believing  on 
the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  or  you  can  never  join  in  the  songs 
of  heaven. 

The  infidel  and  bold  blasphemers  were  silent. 
Entering  a  house  of  ill  fame,  the  mistress  took  me  by 
the  arm  and  led  me  to  the  door,  saying, 

"  I  have  not  prospered  since  you  came  to  the  place."  ■ 
i  Distributing  through  Chatham-street  the  Seventh  Com- 
mandment, some  gentlemen  in  broadcloth  blushed  and 
held  their  heads. 

October  ^\st. — Opened  our  school  in  the  dispensary 
under  favorable  circumstances.  We  need  a  superintendent. 

Testimony  of  Mahala  Lake. 

"If  any  one   has  reason  to  praise  the  Lord,  I  have. 
12 


134  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

He  raised  up  friends  for  me  when  my  relations  woxild 
not  look  on  me.  Christians  seem  nearer  to  me  than  my 
own  relations.  1  weep  and  mourn  when  I  reflect  on  the 
past.  The  mercies  of  the  Lord  seem  as  a  sea  for  fullness 
to  me.  It  is  a  wonder  I  was  not  killed  at  the  Five  Points* 
All  sorts  of  people  visit  there.  A  Quaker  one  day,  for 
vrhom  I  had  worked  in  the  country,  a  married  man,  canie 
into  the  house.  I  was  ashamed,  but  I  made  myself  bold 
to  speak  to  him,  because  1  knew  he  had  seen  me.  I  asked 
him  what  brought  hvn  there?  Bad  company,  said  hej 
and  continuing,  asked  what  brought  me  there? 

Bad  company,  said  I. 

This  man  has  a  fine  wife.  There  is  no  end  to  the  men 
who  visit  these  places.  I  have  seen  many  from  the  coun- 
try, from  whom  I  expected  better  things, — many  married 
men  from  the  country.  There  are  none  who  know  the 
extent  of  these  evils  but  the  girls. 

"'  Men  from  the  highest  to  the  lowest  grade  haunt  these 
places — even  mani/  you  would  not  expect.  Professors 
of  religion  are  often  there.  But  all  these  are  very  cautious, 
they  do  not  love  to  be  exposed.  It  is  at  night  these  men 
come.  They  slip  in  slily,  and  as  slily  escape.  Shame 
prevents  them  in  the  day,  yet  some  go  in  the  day-time." 

"  jMr.  C.  This  man  is  a  merchant.  Some  years  since  he 
had  a  son  by  a  young  milliner.     The  boy  was  boarded  at 

•  for  several  years.    The  mother  frequently  called. 

The  father  often  called  to  see  him.  Difficulties  arose,  and 
the  bov  was  sent  to  Cincinnati.  The  lad  occcasionally  visits 
the  city.  The  merchant  was  married  to  a  rich  lady.  The 
milliner  is  on  the  town.  Once  she  was  arraigned  for  theft, 
and  her  seducer  sat  on  the  jury.  This  wretched  man^ 
the  author  of  the  criminal's  ruin,  and  chargeable  with  thou- 
sands of  her  sins  by  the  righteous  constitution  of  the  divine 
o-overnment — a  principle  recognised  as  just  in  the  whole 
machinery  of  human  government,  under  the  terms  of  prin- 
cipal and  accessary,  debtor,  and  surety,  &c.  sat  in  ju'^gment. 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  135 

shielded  by  the  base  connivance  of  his  companions,  ac- 
complices in  crime,  on  that  helpless  female,  whose  chastity 
he  stole — whose  heart  he  broke — whose  morals  he  blasted 
— and  whose  hopes  he  withered  in  agony  and  despair. 

"  Yes,  this  is  but  a  part  of  the  truth.  This  man  is 
figuring  in  circles  of  the  great;  his  victim  is  abandoned, 
drowning  cares  in  intemperance,  debauchery,  and  degra- 
dation. Is  there  a  God  ?  is  there  a  future  judgment  ? 
God  is  just;  he  is  Justin  judgment,  and  these  refuges  of 
lies  God  will  sweep  as  a  feather  before  the  strong  tornado. 

"  it  is  my  fervent  prayer  this  merchant  may  find  no  peace 
in  his  sins.  May  the  guilty  career  of  his  youth  haunt  his 
crimson  soul  till  at  the  cross  of  Emmanuel  he  feels  the 
pardon  of  his  sins. 

"  May  he  never  repose  in  quiet  until  he  has  repaired, 
to  the  extent  of  his  ability,  the  ruin  he  has  caused.  May 
the  milliner  he  has  ruined  haunt  his  midnio-ht  hours ; 
may  he  hear  her  secret  groans  as  she  lies  in  the  lowest 
brothel  in  this  city  wasting  by  disease;  may  he  feel  the 
sdng  of  her  more  virtuous  conduct.  She  has  not  as  yet 
revealed  his  name  :  she  refuses  to  do  it.  She  tells  not  this 
tale  of  wo ;  no,  she  abhors  to  do  it.  This  tale  comes 
from  another  quarter.  He  has  revealed  part  of  it.  If  he 
be  a  man,  he  will  yet  redeem  and  support  this  poor  lost 
girl." 

Sabbath-school  removed  from  the  Dispensary  to  Orange- 
street ;  had  but  few  teachers  and  several  scholars.  On 
my  way  thither  talked  with  a  young  man  on  the  sin  of 
lewdness. 

"  What  business,"  said  the  young  man,  "  have  you  to 
talk  with  me  ?  Why  do  you  not  go  to  those  vile  fellows 
and  talk  to  them?" 

'*  I  mean,  dear  Sir,  to  talk  to  every  vile  liar,  thief,  mur- 
derer, and  fornicator,  into  whose  company  I  fall.  It  is 
laken  for  granted  I  shall  know  who  are  of  that  class. 

'*  Recollect,  my  remarks  are  on  one  particular  point — 


136  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

the  corruption  of  the  heart.  You  will  recollect,  a  vile  wish 
is  adultery." 

"  No.    You  are  wrong.    Not  so." 

*'  What  did  Christ  say? — '  He  that  looketh  on  a  woman 
to  lu.st  after  her,  hath  committed  adultery  already  with  her 
in  his  heart.'  " 

"  O,"  said  the  young  man,  "  I  expect  to  go  to  heaven. 
All  will  go  to  heaven." 

"  Indeed  !  The  righteous  and  the  wicked  will  to- 
gether sit  down,  and  praise,  and  admire,  and  adore  God  ! 
These  harlots  and  infidels  will  sit  down  with  the  apostle 
Paul  and  Jesus  Christ  in  heaven,  and  keep  one  eternal 
Sabbath !" 

"  Yes  ;  even  those  who  die  of  disease  in  these  stews 
and  gates  of  hell,  and  those  that  are  murdered  by  them  ! 
What  a  pleasant  sight !  How  angels  must  rejoice  over 
these  abodes  of  filth,  as  their  holy  spirits  are  occupied  in 
carrying  to  heaven  the  souls  of  these  despisers,  scoffers — 
these  lascivious — these  drunken,  quarrelsome,  vile  men 
and  women — what  a  delightful  society  we  shall  have  in 
heaven  !     Hovv  conclusive  your  argument  1" 

November  llth. — Refused  to  accept  the  appointment  of 
Agent  to  the  Christian  Benevolent  Society  of  New- York, 
for  reasons  specified  in  a  letter  directed  to  one  of  the  exe- 
cutive committee  of  that  Society,  dated  Nov.  9th,  1831  ; 
but  was  again  requested  by  that  director  to  accept  the 
appointment.  I  reserved  the  decision  for  the  following 
day,  that  I  might  in  the  meantime  consult  Dr.  Alexander 

and  his  associates. 

*  *  #  *  #  * 

In  passing  to  Princeton  we  distributed  Tracts  to  multi- 
tudes of  people.     Do  good  as  you  have  opportunity. 

November  I2th. — Dr.  Alexander  advised  me  to  accept 
the  appointment  of  Agent  until  a  suitable  person  could  be 
found  to  fill  the  station.     Dr.  Miller  coincided.    The  third 


REV.    JOHN    R.    M  DOW  ALL.  137 

pTofessor  being  absent,  I  took  a  hack  for  Philadelphia ; 
•farrived  in  the  afternoon.  I  called  on  Alexander  Henry, 
Esq.  lo  whom  I  had  an  introduction  from  my  venerabio 
instructor  at  Princeton.  I  called  on  Robert  Ralston,  Esq. 
to  whom  another  instructor  had  introduced  me.  As  this 
•gentleman  was  indisposed,  he  regretted  he  could  render 
me  no  assistance,  but  had  been  for  years  a  contributor  to 
tlie  cause  of  benevolence  in  its  direction  to  degraded  fe- 
males. Pie  commended  the  object  of  my  mission  as  the 
most  praiseworthy. 

It  was  late  ;  I  was  guided  to  York's  Hotel,  Market- 
street,  and  retired  as  the  clock  was  striking  twelve,  and 
commended  my  soul  to  the  Savior's  protection. 

Wrote  a  note  to  Mr.  Henry,  and  received  a  visit  from 
him  at  eight  A,  M.  and  called  at  his  counting-room,  and 
received  an  account  of  the  Magdalen  Society  of  that  city. 

The  Philadelphia  Magdalen  Society  was  formed  about 
twenty-five  years  since.  About  three  hundred  and  twenty- 
five  females  have  been  received  into  the  establishment.  Of 
that  number  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  have  been  reform- 
ed, fifty  of  whom  give  decided  evidence  of  evangelical,  ar- 
dent piety.  The  remainder,  seventy-five,  are  virtuous,  nor 
pious.  Of  the  fifty  pious  females,  three  are  members  of 
the  second  Presbyterian  church  in  Philadelphia. 

"  I  take  my  seat  at  the  communion  table  by  the  side  of 
them,  as  dear  sisters  in  Christ,"  said  Mr.  Henry. 

"  The  others  have  joined  other  churches  in  the  city. 
Some  have  gone  to  other  cities,  and  are  now  in  reputable 
families,  living  in  respectability  as  christians. 

Several  are  married  and  living  comfortably.  They  are 
excellent  seamstresses,  and  because  they  are  strictly  chaste, 
the  best  families  vie  with  each  other  in  receiving  them  into 
iheir  employment. 

No  violence,  no  harshness,  no  bitterness,  no  reproach  is 
12* 


138  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

tolerated  in  the  government  of  the  house.     Persuasion, 
tenderness,  and  prayer,  are  the  basis  of  government. 

Sabbath  morning. — In  a  company  of  unbelievers,  the 
conversation  turned  on  infidelity.  I  asserted  that  an  infi- 
del was  not  qualified  to  sit  as  a  judge  or  a  juryman  ;  that  an 
infidel  was  a  deleterious  member  of  society.  I  remarked, 
the  safety  of  human  life  and  property  are,  under  God,  de- 
pendent on  the  binding  force  of  an  oath.  The  sanctions  of 
an  oath  are  drawn  from  a  future  state  of  rewards  and  pun- 
ishments. Now,  an  infidel  does  not  believe  in  the  exis- 
tence of  future  rewards  and  punishments.  What  force, 
therefore,  has  an  oath  on  the  conscience  of  an  infidel  ?  An 
infidel  should  not  be  on  a  jury  that  was  to  try  me  on  a  cap- 
ital arraignment,  nor  should  he  testify  against  me.  Heard 
Mr.  Sandford  preach. 

Monday,  ]5th. — Left  Philadelphia  at  6  in  the  morning. 
On  our  way,  the  conversation  turned  upon  the  word  ortho- 
doxy. Different  interpretations  were  given,  when  I  took 
the  liberty  of  saying,  I  considered  the  true  import  of  the 
word  to  be,  "  right  thinking  according  to  a  just  ruUy 

"  O,"  said  one,  "  every  man's  feelings  are  the  rule  by 
which  he  is  to  think." 

"  God,  sir,  God,  the  everlasting  Father,  who  made  the 
heavens  and  the  earth,  and  all  that  in  them  is,  has  decided 
and  given  us  the  rule — the  sacred  Bible.  But  who  must 
interpret  the  Bible  ?    Christians  disagree." 

The  Lord  says — "  He  that  will  do  my  will,  shall  know 
of  my  doctrine." 

The  conversation  now  turned  upon  miracles.  One  lawyer 
said, 

''  Miracles  are  not  a  violation  of  the  laws  of  nature. 
They  are  an  extraordinary  exertion  of  divine  power  in  a 
particular  way,  for  a  specific  purpose,  on  a  particular  oc- 
casion. On  some  of  these  occasions,  it  is  written,  '  God 
appeared.'  Now,  God  was  as  essentially  distant  from  that 
place  ten  times  ten  thousand  miles,  as  he  was  present  a* 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dowaLL.  139 

that  place.  Hence,  the  presence  of  God  means  no  more  than 
a  visible  exertion  of  his  power  at  a  given  place  and  time, 
for  a  specific  purpose.  When,  therefore,  it  is  said  of  Jesus 
Christ,  in  whom  the  fullness  of  the  Godhead  dwelt  bodily, 
the  meaning  is,  that  God's  power  was  exerted  in  him." 

"  You  are  correct  in  theory,  but  not  in  application.  Of 
Christ  it  is  expressly  said,  '  This  is  the  true  God,'  '  God 
manifest  in  the  flesh,'  '  God  blessed  for  evermore,' 
'  mighty  God.'' 

"  Indeed,  all  the  attributes,  titles,  names,  works,  and 
v/orship  given  to  God,  are  ascribed  to  Jesus  Christ.  Angels 
in  glory  worship  him.  If  he  be  less  than  the  only  wise 
and  true,  self-existent  and  independent,  omnipotent  God, 
angels  are  guilty  of  idolatry. 

'*  If  Christ  be  not  very  God,  language  is  inadequate  to 
ihe  expression  of  it.  Moreover,  if  he  be  not  the  true  God, 
a  baser  wretch  never  walked  the  earth,  for  he  arrogated 
that  honor  and  right.  For  that  assumption  he  was  cruci- 
fied ;  and  if  he  is  less  than  Jehovah,  he  merited  the  death 
he  suffered.  Unless  you  are  an  infidel,  exonerate  the  cha- 
racter of  Jesus  from  the  charge  of  horribly  impious  blas- 
phem}'-,  and  from  the  allegation  of  his  murderers  that  he 
deserved  to  die,  or  admit  the  supreme  divinity  of  my  Lord. 
And  if  you  take  aw^ay  my  Savior,  supply  me  with  a  better, 
for  I  need  an  atoning  sacrifice  to  appease  justice,  and  a 
righteousness  to  justify  me,  and  Jesus  is  both  these  to  my 
soul.  I  bow  down  before  no  being  who  is  not  clothed  whh 
perfection  in  each  attribute.  I  will  worship  no  God  whose 
excellencies  and  perfections  are  not  infinite.  All  these  meet 
m  my  dear  Lord  who  died  on  the  cross." 

Here  ended  the  subject,  with  "Sir,  we  have  had  enough 
of  your  conversation.    Please  to  let  us  hear  no  more  of  it." 

The  stage  arrived  at  Princeton,  and  I  left  these  intelli- 
gent travelers.* 

*  These  extracts  may  be  thought  superfluous  digressions.  Such 
debates  may  be  heard,  daily  and  hourly,  in  stages,  steamboats,  and 


F,40  MEMOIR    OF    THK 

Tuesday,  \iSth. — Left  Princeton  for  New-York.  Ar- 
rived in  the  evening;  lodged  with  brother  Talbot, 

Wednesday,  \7ih. — Saw  Dr.  Brown,  and  boarded  in 
Hall,  and  lodged  with  brother  Talbot. 

Thursday,  \8/h.~—  Began  at  noon  to  board  at  Rev.  INIr. 
Patton's, 

Friday  and  Saturday,  [9ih  and  2Qth. — Attended  to  the 
house  for  these  females. 

Sabbath,  2\st. — Visited  the  alms-house,  had  a  pleasant 
interviev/  with  Mr.  Burtis.  I  saw  a  line  school  of  little 
girls,  taught  by  the  two  Miss  Burtis's. 

In  returning  to  the  Five  Points  saw  Mr.  Smith,  a 
zealous  friend  to  the  cause  of  Christ.  The  schools  were 
out  when  I  arrived.  In  the  evening  we  had  a  meeting  ; 
several  unruly  lads  came  in,  and  continued  to  interrupt 
the  meeting  to  such  a  degree  that  I  sent  for  a  watchman. 
Two  came  and  spake  to  them  in  a  sharp  tone.  I  inter- 
ceded for  them,  and  said, 

"If you  wmU  spare  and  pardon  this  once,  I  will  let  you 
know  if  they  break  their  engagements." 

The  lads  were  more  orderly,  and  we  had  an  interesting 
meeting. 

Our  meeting  closed,  and  we  passed  through  the  streets 

b_y  the  fireside.  But  in  reading  the  memoirs  of  a  man,  you  want  the 
mvLU  himself;  you  want  him  tkeorelicaUy  and  praclically ;  you  want 
him  in  every  varied  situation  he  may  be  placed.  You  want  his 
theology  or  infidelity,  his  strength  or  imbecility,  just  as  he  mani- 
fested them. 

If  he  be  a  disciple  of  Clirist,  you  want  to  see  how  that  disciple« 
ship  was  exemplified.  If  he  be  a  disciple  of  the  "  Age  of  Reason," 
yon  want  to  see  how  that  "  Reason"  was  developed.  If  you  patiently 
read  this  journal,  and  follow  it  through  all  its  windings,  you  will  find 
the  same  fearless,  unyielding  boldness,  when  contending  with  princi- 
palities and  powers ;  whether  doctors,  lawyers,  divines,  or  infidels,  as 
in  the  most  degraded  grog-shop,  cellar,  or  house  of  infamy  in  the  city. 
Whenever  truth  was  assailed,  the  whole  panoply  of  the  Gospel  was 
ready  for  the  com.bai,  and  a  "  bow  at  a  venture  "  has  laid  many  a 
wicked  .\hab  bleeding  at  his  feet. 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  141 

preaching  Jesus  and  the  resurrection.  The  guilty,  de- 
graded women  sometimes  lent  an  ear  for  a  few  moments, 
and  then  passed  away.  Many  curious  things  might  be 
told,  but  it  will  suffice  to  record  some  of  those  less  ob- 
jectionable. 

A  man  in  soft  raiment  approached  and  commenced  con- 
versation ;  saying  he  had  a  wife  and  family  at  home,  but 
an  occasional  visit  to  these  houses  was  not  censurable ; 
they  were  necessary  for  the  protection  of  the  virtuous, 
&c.  I  told  him  I  would  give  my  hand  to  no  one  in  hos- 
pitality at  the  fire-side  of  my  mother,  and  sisters,  or  my 
family,  who,  to  my  knowledge,  ever  visited  a  house  of  ill- 
fame.  I  hold  such  a  man  to  be  the  enemy  of  female 
chastity.  He  is  a  dangerous  member  of  society.  He 
Avill  seduce  the  innocent  and  desert  her.  He  will  glory 
iii  his  treachery.  He  will  leave  her  in  disgrace  and 
mental  agonies  —  a  judgment  severer  than  death.  I 
hold  him  to  be  an  enemy  to  his  country.  He  does  all 
he  canto  perpetuate  these  abodes  of  crime.  Look  at  the 
vast  sums  of  money  raised  to  support  our  prisons,  our 
alms-houses,  and  our  police  courts  ;  and  tell  me,  does  not 
this  one  system  of  debauchery  do  more  to  perpetuate  these 
heavy  taxes  than  any  other  single  vice? 

Here — at  the  Five  Points — murder,  and  robbery,  and 
perjury,  and  Sabbath-breaking,  and  blasphemy,  and  vice  of 
every  name,  prevail ;  and  who  countenance  these  things  ? 
The  man  who  breaks  the  seventh  commandment.  The 
man  said  my  statements  were  false ;  and  as  for  the  Bible, 
he  would  not  allow  his  daughters  to  read  it.  It  is  not 
delicate. 

It  is  a  singular  fact,  worthy  to  be  borne  in  mind,  that  it 
is  impossible  to  find  a  more  bitter  enemy  to  the  Bible  than 
the  man  who  violates  the  seventh  commandment. 

Adulterers  are,  almost  without  exception,  infidels  ;  adul- 
teresses are  seldom  reckoned  among  them. 

These  are  facts  from  which  I  infer  that  those  men  who 


142  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

oppose  the  Bible  are  unclean  persons.  To  this  inference  I 
have  not  been  able  to  find  one  exception. 

Mr.  Smith  accompanied  me.  We  reasoned  with  many- 
groups,  and  advised  them,  as  friends  and  brothers,  hus- 
bands and  fathers,  to  be  seen  no  more  at  brothels. 

I  saw  a  female  standing  at  a  post  on  the  corner  of  a 
street,  and  advised  her  to  leave  the  place.  I  warned  her 
of  the  inevitable  ruin  that  awaited  her  body  and  soul.  I 
advised  the  men  to  go,  and  be  seen  there  no  more.  Some 
sported,  some  confessed  ray  reasons  were  just,  and  some 
blasphemed.  The  watchman  then  came  and  took  the  female 
away,  and  two  black  girls  came  and  asked  me  to  go  and 
pray  with  a  dying  woman.  It  was  now  past  eleven  at 
night,  but  I  accompanied  them.  I  entered  the  chamber, 
and  found  a  female  in  the  last  stages  of  a  consumption, 
calling  on  God  to  have  mercy  on  her  soul.  I  conversed 
and  prayed,  and  left  the  house ;  but  my  late  hour  gave  me 
some  trouble  to  find  lodgings,  as  I  did  not  wish  to  disturb 
the  family  where  I  boarded. 

But  the  pleasure  of  such  aggressive  movements  on  evil 
doers,  prowling,  whelp-like,  on  the  virtues  of  chastity,  made 
my  situation  tolerable.  I  passed  the  night  with  an  old 
friend,  Mr.  Jesse  Talbot. 

November  22d. — In  the  evening  Mr.  Smith  walked  out 
with  me.  We  found  a  girl  in  conversation  Avilh  a  young 
rake.  She  received  "-Jave  Thringi'^  and,  after  a  lesson, 
passed  away.  He  remained,  like  a  guilty  culprit,  pleading 
his  cause.     How  pitiable  !  how  mean  a  situation  ! 

Thursday. — Received  a  communication  from  A.  Henry, 
Esq.  of  Philadelphia. 

Sabbath,  2Sth. — Visited  the  Penitentiary.  Made  pre- 
parations for  the  opening  of  a  school  among  the  lemale 
convicts.  The  doors  of  the  prison  were  unbarred,  and 
the  harlots  assembled  in  their  working-room.  After  one 
or  two  short  addresses,  we  prayed,  and  separated  them  into 
ciasses.     About  seventy-five  could  read,  about  forty  could 


REV.    JOHN     R.     m'D0\\ALL.  143 

not.  I  entered  several  wards  and  spoke  to  them  on  divine 
things.  All  appeared  lo  rejoice.  It  is  a  place  near  heaven 
and  hell;  a  step  places  souls  in  the  one  or  the  other.  One 
middle-aged  man  felt  it;  he  was  dying.  He  had  neglected 
the  Savior.  We  prayed  with  him :  1  repeated  some  por- 
tions of  sacred  Scripture.  Poor  man  !  he  repeated  them 
after  me,  and  continued  repeating  them  as  I  left  him,  '.vith 
the  cold  dew-drops  of  death  thickening  on  his  brow.  As 
I  passed  out  I  talked  to  the  sick,  and  pointed  them  to  this 
dying  man  :  they  were  attentive  and  thankful.  Why  is  it 
an  infidel  has  no  courage  in  death?  why  does  he  then  cry 
to  Jesus,  whom  in  health  he  blasphemed,  to  save  his  soul  ? 
Ah!  the  voice  of  reason  and  conscience  in  him  then  re- 
sume their  wonted  office ;  vice  had  misguided. 

In  the  evening  went  to  Tammany  Hall.  Heard  an 
ignorant,  vulgar  retailer  of  Tom  Paine  prate.  At  the  close 
had  some  conversation  with  several.  I  told  one,  the  chief 
advocates  1  found  of  his  creed  were  in  brothels.  One  old 
man  said  he  had  been  a  member  of  Ur.  Spring's  church. 


CHAPTER  XYHI. 


Visit  to  the  Five  Points — A  young  girl — Visit  at  the  alms-house — 
School  at  the  Penitentiary — Case  of  two  females — His  own  de- 
cisions— French  Revolution — Story  of  a  young-  man — Weekly 
Report  of  the  Executive  Committee — Female  Penitentiary — An- 
cient Poets— Visit  to  the  Asylum — Description  of  vile  liouses — 
Meeting  of  the  Board  of  the  Benevolent  Society — Vile  houses  in 
and  about  Five  Points — Number  of  vile  men  and  women. 

December  Uh. — In  the  morning,  at  8  o'clock,  I  went  to 
Mr.  Dwight's,  and  took  Mr.  Woodbury  with  me  to  visit 
at  the  Five  Points.  We  prayed  with  a  company  of  harlots  ; 


144  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

they  conducted  themselves  properly.  In  one  house  we  saw 
a  young  girl;  her  countenance  was  not  yet  marked  by 
the  disgusting  lines  of  vice. 

•'  It  is  not  long  since  I  came  here,"  said  this  sobbing 
female. 

Ohow  it  moves  the  heart  to  look  on  a  young,  seduced, 
broken-hearted  female!  In  her  you  see  the  fading,  dying 
jrlorics  of  chastity  withering  beneath  the  blasts  of  seduc- 
tion. She  seems  to  be  great  in  ruins.  Modesty  clothed 
her  countenance,  tears  moistened  her  face;  she  cursed 
her  perfidious  seducer  and  trembled  at  the  act.  Anguish 
preyed  on  her  soul,  and  hope,  for  ever  fled,  drove  her  to 
despair.  Then  she  resolved,  in  anger,  to  endure  the  worst, 
and  hasten  the  approach  of  her  final  catastrophe  in  hell. 
Walker,  the  negro  who  beat  Rosanna  so  unmercifully,  is 
dead. 

"Where  is  your  husband?"  I  asked  Mrs.  Walker  as 
I  entered. 

*'  O  !   sir,  he  is  dead." 

"  You  recollect  how  faithfully  I  warned  him  of  his 
danger." 

"  0  yes,  I  remember  it  well,"  was  the  reply.  "  Mrs. 
Walker,  think  of  your  own  end,  and  remember  the  warn- 
ino-s  I  o"ave  you  some  time  since.  Repent,  I  entreat  you, 
or  you  will  sink  to  perdition." 

In  the  house  where  the  female  took  three  shillings' 
worth  of  opium  to  destroy  her  life,  I  found  an  entire  com- 
pany of  new  girls;  several  men  were  present.  As  we  en- 
tered the  noise  was  tremendous.  We  stood  silent,  gazing 
at  them.  The  master  and  mistress  recognised  us,  and 
cried  out — "  Be  silent,  the  ministers  are  come." 

A  clamor  ensued  with  an  intoxicated  Catholic  woman, 

who  was  ordered  off  because  the  ministers  were  in  the  house. 

December  itli. — We  found  a  widow,  mistress  of  a  bad 

house,  who  is  unable  to  manage  her  son,  a  lad  of  about 

fifteen.     Nor  is  it  a  matter  of  wonder. 


aEV.    JOHN    R.    M  DOWALL.  145 

"  I  fear,"  said  she,  "  he  will  come  to  some  bad  end." 

Returning  home,  we  saw  a  fierce  riot  in  the  streets  ; 
the  blood  was  flowing  from  their  noses  as  they  continued 
pounding  each  other  in  the  face.  I  went  among  the 
crowd,  but  was  unable  to  separate  them,  being  pressed  by 
the  throng  in  my  rear.  I  called  on  those  present  to  part 
them,  but  they  had  no  courage.  I  went  to  the  Alderman 
and  apprised  him  of  the  matter.  The  rioters  dispersed 
before  he  arrived. 

Sahhath,  5th. — Staid  at  the  alms-house.  In  the  morning 
the  school  was  opened  in  the  Penitentiary  for  the  female 
prisoners. 

Perhaps  one  hundred  and  fifty  attended.  Five  teachers 
were  present.  Several  of  the  females  wept.  One  said 
she  wished  to  go  to  the  House  of  Refuge.  Many  are 
beautiful  readers ;  about  one  third  say  they  cannot  read. 
Some  are  advanced  in  age;  some  are  deformed ;  some  are 
beautiful. 

It  is  an  affecting  sight  to  see  the  tender,  delicate,  and 
educated  female,  of  polished  manners  and  address,  thrust 
into  the  society  of  the  desperately  depraved  of  her  sex. 

Went  to  Tammany  Hall,  but  concluded  it  was  a  duty  to 
go  to  a  place  of  religious  worship.  I  spent  the  evening 
agreeably  in  Dr.  Spring's  session-room. 

Monday,  6th. — Took  two  females  to  the  House  of 
Refuge.  On  Sabbath  evening  they  attended  the  prayer- 
meeting.  Both  came  to  learn  something  of  the  asylum. 
They  were  affected.  As  they  left  the  house  and  went  into 
the  street,  a  number  of  ruffians  at  the  gate  hurried  one  of 
them  away.  On  Monday  morning  the  other  went  into  the 
neighborhood  to  find  the  girl,  but  her  search  was  in  vain; 
but  she  found  and  brought  another  girl  to  the  asylum. 
She  was  from  the  Penitentiary,  who,  by  my  advice  on 
Sabbath,  two  weeks  since,  was  influenced  to  leave,  and 
walked  one  whole  day,  accompanied  by  a  colored  girl,  to 
find  the  asylum,  but  being  unable,  she  was  from  necessity 

13 


146  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

driven  for  shelter  to  a  house  of  ill-fame.  She  is  twenty- 
three  years  old,  and  in  poor  health.  The  infidel  would 
laugh  at  this  story,  and  say  she  would  reform  when  she 
could  no  longer  pursue  her  guilty  course.  Perchance  he 
would  descend  lower,  and  accuse  us  of  unhallowed  designs 
and  arts;  and  hen)ight  laugh  at  us  as  simpletons.  As 
this  is  showing  their  inhuman  hearts,  I  pity  them.  I 
remember  my  Lord  condescended  to  teach  and  rebuke 
publicans  and  harlots;  as  his  servant,  I  expect  to  be  evil 
spoken  of;  I  have  counted  the  cost:  I  am  decided  ;  [  know 
I  have  the  better  cause. 

Tuesday,  7lh. — It  was  on  this  day,  17S9,  forty-one  years 
since,  the  French  Revolution  filled  Europe  with  amaze- 
ment; infidelity  fattened  that  soil  with  human  blood,  and 
flesh,  and  bones  ;  the  Bible,  they  burned  it ;  Christ,  they 
cursed  him;  religion,  they  swore  to  exterminate  it:  the 
Sabbath,  they  changed  it ;  and  what  did  they  not  change  ! 
What  infidels  did  for  Franc(%  infidels  would  do  for 
America,  if  able.  Indeed,  some  of  them  are  not  backward 
in  such  allusions. 

A  young  man  came  into  the  Aims-House  from  the  Hos- 
pital. The  Alderman  commanded  him  to  take  off  his 
coat,  a  fine  snuff-colored  surtout.  The  3'oung  man  beg- 
ged to  be  permitted  to  leave  the  place,  adding — 

"  I  shall  be  ruined  if  I  stay  here." 

The  Alderman  insisted — 

"  It  Avill  not  be  a  month  before  you  will  be  sent  back  to 
us.  It  is  useless  to  try  you.  You  must  put  on  a  jacket 
and  take  lo  the  shoe-bench.  Take  off  your  coat,  sir,  take 
it  off' 

The  young  man  slowly  and  sorrowfully  took  off  his 
coa  . 

He  stood  pale  and  sorrowful.  The  Alderman  then 
talked  to  him  affectionately,  as  a  father  yearning  over  a 
prodigal  son.  The  young  man  stood  in  silence,  while  the 
dejection  of  his  countenance  and  the  irresolute  roll  of  his 


REV.    JOHN    R.    M  DOWALL.  147 

eye  indicated  a  mind  agitated  by  conflicting  feelings.  He 
again  plead  for  liberty — again  promised  amendment. 

'•  Well,"  said  the  Alderman,  "  I  will  try  you." 

The  young  man's  countenance  brightened  and  he  put 
on  his  coat,  and  as  he  was  leaving  I  asked  liberty  to  talk 
with  him.  He  was  called  back.  We  sat  down  at  a  win- 
dow and  he  gave  me  his  history. 

"  I  have  a  pious  mother  living  in  Boston.  She  gave 
me  a  virtuous  education.  I  came  to  this  city,  and  was  led 
astray  by  young  mechanics  who  believe  there  is  no  hell. 
They  laugh  at  religion  and  call  it  priestcraft.  They  pity 
the  pious  for  their  simple  heads,  as  they  call  them.  I 
went  but  once  to  a  house  of  ill-fame  ;  for  that  unfortunate 
act  have  I  paid  most  dearly. 

"  If  the  pains  of  my  late  sickness  be  but  the  beginning  of 
sorrows,  I  know  not  what  the  end  will  be.  I  saw  you  in 
the  Hospital  last  week — you  wish  me  well — I  thank 
you  for  your  advice." 

So  much  for  the  infidel's  morality  and  hatred  of  the  Bi- 
ble, and  the  God  of  the  Bible.  O  i/oznig-  men,  beware — 
beicarc  ! 

Weekly  Report  to  ike  Executive  Committee. 

The  InAmt  school  opened  on  Monday  with  twenty — on 
Tuesday,  thirty.  More  will  attend  when  the  room  is  pre- 
pared. xMr.  Chester  advises  me  to  join  the  Sunday  School 
Union. 

The  petition  to  the  public  school  is  presented.  The  Afri- 
can Sabbath  school  needs  the  permanent  attention  of  some 
discreet,  intelligent,  pious,  zealous  man.  Of  course  our 
primary  object  is  ever  to  be  kept  in  view. 

No  man  ought  to  be  received  who  is  not  competent  to 
the  defence  of  the  christian  religion  against  the  whole 
host  of  universalists,  infidels,  and  atheists.  The  man 
must  be  acouainted  with  human  nature,  or  susceptible  of 


148  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

soon  acquiring  the  ability  of  managing  men  with  views 
and  interests  opposite  to  his  own. 

In  the  Female  Penitentiary  I  saw  several  of  my  parish- 
ioners who  had  been  at  the  Five  Points.  One,  whose  de- 
grading demeanor  at  that  miserable  place  cannot  be  re- 
corded by  reason  of  its  deep  offence  against  the  first 
principles  of  purity,  was  now  orderly,  decent,  and  atten- 
tive. Another,  about  ten  or  twelve  weeks  since,  was  em- 
ployed as  a  domestic  by  the  keeper  of  one  of  those  bad 
houses.  1  at  that  time  told  her,  if  she  continued  at  that 
place,  before  three  months  elapsed  she  would  be  in  the 
Penitentiary. 

"  Do  you  recollect  my  prediction  ?" 

"  O,  sir,  I  well  recollect  ii,"  said  the  female,  weeping  bit- 
terly, *'  and  if  ever  I  get  from  this  place  I  will  never  more 
be  seen  in  such  places  again." 

"  Madam,  in  less  than  five  years  your  spirit  will  be  in 
the  world  of  spirits,  and  alas,  I  fear,  in  hell,  unless  you  do 
as  you  have  said.  A  vicious  life  is  a  rapid  life — three 
years  generally  cut  off  the  girls  in  your  situation." 

A  third  female  I  saw  is  the  mother  of  several  children 
in  New-Jersey,  and  the  daughter  of  a  respectable  farmer. 
Two  months  since  I  saw  her  lying  in  a  fit  in  the  street  at 
the  Five  Points. 

I  procured  a  man  who  took  her  into  the  house  of  a  co- 
lored man.  The  colored  woman  abused  her — even  pre- 
suming to  beat  her  while  in  an  awful  paroxysm.  I 
could  not  describe  my  feelings  when  I  saw  this  woman — 
a  mother — in  a  prison.  Many  of  the  females  shed  tears. 
One,  unasked,  solicited  admission  into  the  Asylum — an- 
other, a  mother  of  a  family,  desired  me  to  see  her  brother 
and  children  in  the  city.  Poor  females  !  almost  every  one 
is  the  victim  of  some  unprincipled  and  unfeeling  man. 

This  school  is  not  properly  supplied  with  teachers  and 
books. 


REV.    JOHN    R.    »'dOWALL.  149 

Thursday,  9t/i — It  is  to-day  two  hundred  and  twenty- 
two  years  since  Milton,  the  prince  of  English  epic  poetry, 
was  born.  His  name  will  shine  in  the  galaxy  of  glory, 
'j'hose  muses  whose  works  elevate  the  female  character, 
ly  inflicting  a  wound  and  bringing  a  disgrace  on  the  un- 
chaste, and  adorning  the  brow  of  the  pure,  have  acquired 
nn  unfading  garland  of  praise.  Though  Ovid  possessed  the 
powers  of  a  poet,  and  Horace  the  keenest  satirical  spirit, 
and  Moore  the  softest  melody,  and  Byron  the  mellifluous 
style  of  a  master;  the  time  is  near  when  their  names  will 
be  associated  with  the  vilest  misanthropes.  They  have 
led  the  band  of  the  impure  poetic  warriors,  foiled  in  their 
competition  for  the  meed  of  future  praise.  Together  they 
shall  fall,  and  be  buried,  with  Chesterfieldian  manners  and 
morals,  in  the  vaults  of  their  own  impurity.  Posterity 
shall  stamp  their  names  with  disgrace.  In  disgrace  they 
shall  rot,  and  their  mausoleum  shall  entomb  the  thousands 
marshaled  at  their  side  in  oblivious  night;  for  holiness 
shall  reign  in  the  hearts  of  men,  and  even  the  bells  shall 
be  dedicated  to  God,  bearing  the  inscription,  holiness  to 
ike  Lord. 

Our  committee  met  last  evening,  and  appointed  sub- 
committees to  attend  to  various  duties  arising  out  of  our 
nQ\Y  relations. 

Much  good  feeling  exists  among  them.  It  is  decided  I 
am  for  the  present  to  spend  at  least  two  days  at  the  Peni- 
tentiary in  each  week,  and  the  remainder  of  the  time  at 
the  Five  Points. 

To  the  females  in  the  Asylum  I  read  the  rules,  &c.  of 
the  Philadelphia  Magdalen.  It  gave  me  a  good  opportu- 
nity to  show  the  reasons  why  they  were  so  exact.  They 
wept.  Then  we  began  the  Book  of  Malachi — read  the  first 
chapter,  each  reading  a  verse  in  rotation.  On  each  verse 
I  commented.  They  all  wept.  We  had  a  solemn  meeting. 
It  was  a  precious  season  to  my  soul. 

At  the  corner  of  Centre  and  Pearl-streetS;  about  half 
13* 


ibU  MEMOIR    OF   THE 

after  seven  this  evening,  I  saw  a  female  lying  on  the  pave* 
ment,  surrounded  by  a  multitude  of  men,  women,  and  boys. 
She  was  intoxicated.  I  went  to  the  Five  Points,  found- 
two  watchmen,  who  conducted  her  safely  to  the  watch- 
house. 

My  curiosity  being  excited,  I  traveled  from  Chatham  to 
Anthony,  thence  to  Leonard,  to  Centre,  to  Anthony,  to^ 
Broadway,  and  back  to  Anthony,  to  Elm,  to  Pearl,  to 
Cross,  to  the  Five  Points,  and  thence-  through  Little  Wa- 
ter,  Anthony  and  Centre-streets,  within  the  aforesaid 
boundaries,  and  counted  in  this  small  district  more  than 
one  hundred  places  in  which  ardent  spirits  are  sold,  and 
public  girls  are  either  kept  or  permitted  to  visit.  Aside 
from  these  houses  there  are  several  oyster-stands,  which 
minister  to  the  depravity  of  these  places. 

Some  of  these  houses  are  places  of  gambling,  as  the 
majority  of  lewd  houses  are.  Some  are  dancing-houses. 
Some  of  the  houses  contain  several  lewd  families.  In  some 
of  these  houses  murders  frequently  occur,  and  robberies, 
as  often  as  opportunities  offer.  Men  are  intoxicated  and 
tumbled  into  the  street. 

In  Anthony-street,  near  Broadway,  there  are  a  few  vir- 
tuous  families.  So  far  as  I  am  able  to  judge,  the  obvious 
signs  of  one  of  these  houses  are  red  curtains,  ever  dravi^n 
close,  with  either  a  very  bright  or  a  very  pale  light  im- 
mediately behind  them.  The  window-shutters  are  some- 
times closed  in  part,  or  wholly,  with  a  crevice  or  a  half- 
moon,  &c.  showing  the  red  curtain ;  or,  perchance,  a  fe- 
male stands  at  the  door,  to  catch  silly  youth. 

The  number  of  male  prostitutes  is  exceedingly  great. 
In  1829,  563  males  and  438  females  were  committed  to 
the  Penitentiary  as  vagrants,  or  something  worse.  Shall 
the  Gospel  be  carried  to  these  persons? 

The  tendency  of  concerts  is  to  dissipation.  The  thanks- 
giving of  many  is  offered  to  Satan.  In  the  evening  I  visited 


REV.    JOHN    R.    M  DOWALL.  151 

a  friend  in  Beaver-street ;  saw  a  miserable  prostitute,  with 
whom  the  watchmen  were  dealing  according  to  law.  She 
is  in  the  watch-house,  and  will  to-morrow,  probably,  be  in 
Bridewell.  I  saw  two  others,  young  and  fallen.  They 
were  at  the  corner,  conversing  with  a  man.  1  apprised 
them  of  their  danger. 

If  these  women,  strolling  at  night,  were  arrested  and 
committed  to  the  Penitentiary  until  the  overseers  had  evi- 
dence of  their  reformation,  great  good  would  be  effected 
anS  much  evil  prevented. 

Sabbath,  \2th. — Mr.  and  Mrs.  Phelps  were  added  to  the 
number  of  our  teachers  in  the  Penitentiary.  About  the 
usual  number  of  females  attended.  I  again  read  the  rules 
of  the  Philadelphia  Asylum  to  them.  Some  wished  to  go 
to  our  house,  but  had  heard  it  was  not  a  good  place.  The 
attention  was  good.     Some  wept. 

In  the  afternoon  attended  at  the  Five  Points,  and  spoke 
to  the  children  on  the  fifth  commandment.  In  the  even- 
ing had  some  difficulty  with  the  boys.  But  for  the  arm  of 
the  civil  law,  we  could  do  nothing  among  these  lawless 
spirits,  who  are  under  no  parental  restraint.  Took  one 
lad  out  of  the  house  to  give  him  over  to  a  watchman,  but 
in  the  struggle  he  escaped.     The  others  behaved  better. 

Monday. — Called  on  the  Rev,  Mr.  M'Cartee,  and  pro- 
posed to  him  the  propriety  of  his  church  aiding  in  the  sup- 
port of  a  missionary  for  our  society  at  the  Five  Points. 
He  thought  favorably  of  it,  and  requested  another  inter- 
view  with  me  on  the  subject.  Mr.  Woodbury  and  Mr. 
Mack  visited  families  at  the  Five  Points.  One  country- 
man in  a  house  of  ill-fame  confessed  he  had  a  wife  at  home, 
and  that  she  was  a  fine  woman,  but  considered  it  justifiable 
to  have,  occasionally,  a  spree  with  the  girls,  as  he  called  it. 
When  the  question  was  put  to  him, 

"  What  would  you  do  and  say,  if  your  wife  followed 
your  example?" 

His  jocose  spirit  departed,  and  a  different  one  came  over 
him. 


^52  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

''  Why,"  said  the  man,  "I  would  call  her .' 

I     "  But  what  shall  this  man  be  called  ?" 

Q,uery.   Is  his  wife  not  bound  to  be  divorced  from  him  ? 

Tuesday,  \ith, — It  rains.  I  am  preparing  a  Tract.  Its 
litle  is  ^'Vice  and  Viriiie"  Mr.  A.  Smith  promises  to  pub- 
lish it.  Spent  the  evening  with  Mr.  Smith,  with  whom  I 
reviewed  the  Tract  "  Vice  and  Virlue  "  to  the  end  of  the 
sixth  page. 

Wednesday.-^ Saw  Messrs.  M'Cartee  and  Rice  on  the 
subject  of  the  missionary  cause.  Wednesday,  next  week,  it 
will  be  laid  before  the  session  of  his  church,  and  a  report 
be  sent  up  to  Mr.  Rice's  church. 

In  the  evening  the  Board  of  the  Christian  Benevolent 
Society  met  for  the  first  time  since  the  organization  of  the 
Society.  The  minutes  of  the  Executive  Committee  and  So- 
ciety were  read,  and  the  business  of  the  evening  despatched 
in  a  very  pleasant  manner. 

One  thing  I  regretted  to  hear  from  the  secretary,  in  re- 
lation to  my  terms  of  agreement  with  the  society  as  their 
agent.  It  is  this,  that  I  engaged  to  labor  for  them  in  this 
cause  for  my  food  and  clothing,  and  access  to  a  reading- 
room,  and  one  or  more  course  of  lectures.  So  far,  it  is  true. 
But  it  ought  to  have  been  added,  as  an  original  part  of  my 
conditions,  that  the  society  should  procure  a  permanent 
agent  as  soon  as  possible,  that  I  might  be  permitted  early 
to  return  to  my  sacred  studies.  This  mistake  ought  to  be 
corrected. 

One  hundred  and  sixty-two  dollars  were  subscribed  to 
the  funds  of  the  society  before  the  meeting  closed.  It  was 
to  me  as  a  fit  of  the  chills  and  fever  to  hear  that  two  thou- 
sand dollars  would  meet  all  the  probable  expenses  of  the 
society  for  the  present  year.  But  there  is  hope  in  the 
case.  When  the  members  of  this  society  look  at  the  sub- 
ject in  its  true  light,  they  will  feel  and  believe  that  ten 
times  two  thousand  should  be  expended  the  current  year. 
The  belief  that  they  will  soon  be  of  the  same  opinion,  and 


REV.    JOHN    R.    M  DOWALL.  153 

that  the  Most  High  will  smile  on  our  efforts,  furnishes  the 
sole  ground  on  which  my  conclusion  rests  to  continue  in 
the  city  one  week  more.  I  believe  the  Lord  calls  on  the 
churches  of  this  city  to  lead  forth  their  united  forces  against 
the  common  foe,  whose  entrenchments  are  so  strong  they 
contemptuously  frown  on  assault. 

But,  blessed  be  God,  that  one  mighty  host  of  noble  war- 
riors, ere  one  year  is  past,  may  be  presenting  their  fearless 
front  and  blood-stained  banners  of  redeeming  love  where 
Satan  now  hath  his  imagined  impregnable  bulwarks. 
Cheering  thought  !  But  if  this  is  attained,  I  must  for  the 
present  go  to  the  Penitentiary,  and  bend  the  energies  of  my 
mind  to  the  thorough  investigation  of  the  whole  subject. 

I  must  write  and  publish.  The  public  must  be  inform- 
ed, or  they  will  do  nothing ;  and  moral  disease  must  con- 
tinue preying  on  the  vitals  of  the  community  until  the 
whole  mass  of  society  is  corrupted  as  Sodom,  and  fallen 
as  Gomorrah. 

My  path  of  duty  is  plain — I  must  walk  in  it.  I  must 
attend  the  Thursday  and  Sabbath  evening  meetings  at  the 
Five  Points,  and  have  an  able  man  to  visit  from  house  to 
house  immediately  in  that  place. 

Thursday. — Added  one  paragraph  to  the  first  number 
of  my  communication  on  vice,  and  handed  it  to  the  editor, 
after  I  had  visited  the  Five  Points,  where  I  counted  one 
hundred,  and  forty  places  or  tenements,  many  of  which 
were  entire  buildings  where  ardent  spirits  are  sold.  One 
hundred  and  four  are  notorious  places  of  lewdness.  The 
other  thirty-six  places  are  almost  more  than  dubious.  This 
district  in  which  these  places  are  found,  are,  first — between 
Five  Points  and  Chatham ;  second — between  Five  Points 
and  Leonard;  third — between  Five  Points  and  Broadway, 
through  Anthony  ;  and  fourth — between  Orange  and  Cen- 
tre, through  Leonard.  It  will  be  seen  this  does  not  in- 
clude all  that  passes  under  the  name  of  Five  Points.  Sup- 
pose each   place  to  contain  five  females,  though  some  con- 


154  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

tain,  perhaps,  three  times  that  number,  and  in  the  104 
places  there  will  be  520  lewd  women.  This  number  may 
safel}^  be  doubled.  Then  we  shall  have  1040  females  in 
the  sixth  ward — at  and  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Five  Points — 
who  are  among  the  most  notorious  prostitutes  the  city 
affords. 

Admitting  there  are  but  one  thousand — a  very  humble 
estimate,  it  is  believed,  for  the  sixth  ward — we  have  data, 
not  very  satisfactory,  it  is  true,  by  which  we  can  estimate 
the  number  in  the  city.  Admitting,  also,  there  are  in  each 
other  ward  one-fourth  as  many  as  there  are  in  the  sixth 
ward,  the  thirteen  other  wards  would  give  us  3,250  ;  which, 
added  to  the  1,000  for  the  sixth  ward,  gives  us  4,250  pub- 
lic girls.  To  these  add  400  usually  in  the  Penitentiary, 
and  the  result  is  4,650;  just  350  less  than  the  Alderman 
computed  one  week  since.  He  reckoned  them  at  5,000, 
and  the  city  could  not  produce  a  better  judge.  To  these 
public  girls  you  are  to  add  those  females  that  reside  in 
houses  of  higher  reputation,  and  domestics,  and  young  fe- 
males who  take  lodgings  in  private  families  and  boarding- 
houses  of  respectability.  These  are  doubtless  more  nu- 
merous than  the  girls  abroad  on  the  town. 

Placing  them  at  the  same  number,  we  shall  have  10,000 
in  this  city,  being  5,000  less  than  the  number  estimated 
by  a  physician  who  had  been  four  years  resident  nt  the 
Aims-House.  Now  there  can  be  no  doubt  but  there  are 
more  than  twenty-five  men  to  each  woman, — 10,000  by  25 
equals  250,000  men.     This  result  astonishes  the  mind. 

But  those  who  know  the  most  about  these  places  can 
readily  believe  it.  But  there  are  not  so  many  men  in  the 
city ;  yet  there  are  a  great  multitude  of  men  in  it.  More- 
over, seamen,  foreigners,  and  country  people  arc  nume- 
rous, and  thousands  and  thousands  of  them  visit  such 
places,  and  glory  in  it.  This  is  an  adulterous  and  sinful 
generation.  Keep  me  by  thy  grace,  O  my  God.  Let  me 
never  fall. 


REV.    JOHN    R.     M  DOWALI,.  155 


CHAPTER  XIX, 

Weariness — Walk  in  Broadway — Interview  with  two  girls — Advice 
and  kindness — Persuaded  them  to  go  home — The  next  day  called 
on  them — Learn-ed  llioir  situation — Visit  to  tlie  Asylum — Trouble 
among^  them  amicably  settled — Meeting-  in  the  Penitentiary — Visits 
at  Anthony  and  Chatham-streets — Meeting  at  the  Five  Points — 
Reflections— Further  visits — Visits  to  twelve  wards  in  the  Alm^- 
llouse. 

In  the  afternoon  of  this  day  my  strength  was  so  com- 
pletely exhausted  I  laid  and  slept  on  the  sofa,  too  weary 
almost  to  take  rest  there.  Sitting  in  my  chair  at  the  fire- 
side, I  fell  asleep;  indeed  I  was  unable  to  prevent  it.  At 
tea-time  revived.  Attended  a  meeting,  but  few  were  pre- 
sent. Prayed  and  parted.  Took  my  usual  exploring  tour. 
In  Broadway  a  girl  looked  me  in  the  face — I  bowed.  She 
instantly  turned  and  followed  me.  So,  to  try  the  thing,  I 
turned  the  corner,  and  she  very  obsequiously  did  the  same. 
Poor  thing,  she  had  little  anticipation  of  the  lesson  that 
awaited  her.  We  walked  to  a  house  in  Anthony-street, 
She  said  she  was  a  servant  girl;  that  another  servant  girl 
had  persuaded  her  to  go  out,  by  telling  her  she  should  get 
money  and  fine  clothes — live  well;  that  she  had  been 
leading  such  a  life  but  a  short  time.  When  we  came  to 
the  door,  and  she  was  about  ascending  the  steps,  I  told 
her  I  feared  God  and  should  not  go  in.  She  was  amazed, 
I  told  her  I  would  give  her  some  money  if  she  was  in 
need  of  it.  She  said  she  was.  I  gave  her' two  shillings, 
and  walked  with  her  to  Broadway.  I  told  her  I  was  the 
agent  of  a  society  which  designed  to  overthrow  this  sys- 
tem of  iniquity,  and  if  she  went  out  again  she  would  be 
turned  off  and  sent  down  to  the  Five  Points.  I  gave 
her  a  lesson  on  the  seventh  commandment.  She  said  she 
knew  it  all,  she  was  well  acquainted  with  the  Bible — pro- 
mised she  would  20  out  no  more. 


156  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

In  one  minute  after  I  saw  a  young  man  coming  out  of 
Broadway  with  two  girls  of  more  than  usual  splendor  of 
dress.  I  halted,  and  lingered,  and  looked.  They  stopped — 
they  separated — one  going  off  with  the  man.  I  crossed, 
and  followed,  and  overtook  the  other.  She  turned  and 
looked  me  full  in  the  face  for  a  moment.  She  gave  me  her 
hand,  and  wished  me  to  accompany  her  to  an  oyster  cellar. 
On  refusing,  she  said  she  would  go  with  me  to  a  house, 
but  apologized  for  carrying  me  to  such  a  house  because  it 
was  no  better  furnished.  She  led  me  to  that  door  at  which 
I  had  stood  a  few  minutes  before  with  the  other  girl.  I 
told  her  I  feared  God  and  dare  not  go  in.  I  remarked  if 
she  needed  money  I  would  give  it  to  her.  She  told  me  she 
had  not  one  cent  to  buy  her  breakfast.  I  gave  her  a  dol- 
lar, on  condition  she  would  go  home  and  commit  no  crime ; 
fearing  she  would,  I  accompanied  her  to  the  door  of  her 
house,  but  did  not  enter.  In  passing  along  she  told  me  her 
history.  I  pitied  the  girl — I  told  her  I  looked  upon  her  as 
on  my  tender  and  beloved  sister,  and  if  she  would  return 
to  a  virtuous  life  I  would  be  her  friend.  She  said  she  de- 
sired to  do  it,  but  the  way  was  closed  against  it. 

Before  I  returned  to  my  lodgings  the  clock  struck 
eleven.  I  retired  to  rest  at  a  quarter  before  three  in  the 
morning,  deeply  impressed  with  a  grateful  sense  of  the 
goodness  of  God  to  me,  and  thankful  I  had  the  opportuni- 
ty of  preventing  crime,  and  bringing  truth  to  bear  on  the 
consciences  of  some. 

Friday,  17 ih. — Called  on  the  two  females  I  had  seen  the 
preceding  evening,  and  found  them  in  confusion.  It  was 
one  o'clock,  and  they  had  but  just  finished  their  breakfast. 
The  one  with  whom  1  had  not  conversed  before  is  beauti- 
ful;  her  eye  intelligent  and  penetrating;  her  form  comely, 
and  countenance  benignant.  She  has  a  litile  child. 

"  O  woman !  how  can  you  consent  to  live  on  the  wages 
of  iniquity?  how  can  you  support  that  child  by  prosti- 
tution?"' 


REV.    JOKN    R.    m'dOWALL.  157 

*'  Sir,  necessity  compels  me ;  1  do  not  love  the  course  I 
pursue ;  in  the  winter  I  and  my  child  were  suffering." 

"  Why  did  you  not  go  to  the  Aims-House?" 

"  No — ntver,  sir,  will  I  go  to  that  place;  I  will  suffer first.'^ 

•'  Will  you  abandon  vice  and  go  to  the  asylum  ?" 

"  O  don't  mention  a  prison." 

"  It  is  no  prison — if  you  are  willing  to  go  we  are  will- 
ing to  receive  you.  No  female  is  received  into  our  Refuge 
who  doe5  not  go  of  her  own  choice,  forsake  her  evil  way, 
and  resolve  to  break  off  her  evil  habits.  You  can  have 
the  privilege  of  visiting  the  asylum  before  you  decide." 

They  were  pleased.  On  asking  them  if  I  should  pray 
with  them, — 

•'  Well,  I  don't  know.  We  don't  pray.  We  don't  do 
such  things." 

They  soon  consented,  and  I  prayed.  They  had  no 
Bible,  but  said  they  would  read  one  if  I  would  give  them 
one.  On  parting,  I  took  them  by  the  hand  and  spoke  to 
them  as  to  sisters.  The  mother  broke  away  and  rushed 
into  an  opposite  room,  her  feelings  were  too  intense  to  ad- 
rait  of  further  expressions  of  regard  and  sorrow  for  her 
condition.  Poor  woman  !  Before  this  she  asked  if  she 
could  take  the  child  to  the  Refuge. 

"  You  can  take  it  to  the  poor-house." 

"  No,  no ;  my  child  does  not  leave  me.  I  think  more  of  it 
than  that.  If  my  child  cannot  go  to  the  Refuge,  I  shall  not  go." 

I  told  her  I  could  not  answer  her  now,  but  when  the 
case  was  brought  before  the  directors,  they  would  possibly 
admit  her  and  her  child. 

This  female  had  lived  as  a  domestic  in  the  house  of  the 
Alderman.  Her  husband  is  dead.  The  history  of  the  other  is 
too  dark  for  record.  She  pleads  for  her  course,  that  she  may 
get  money  to  assist  a  poor  father  and  mother  in  Brooklyn. 

Saturday,  \^th. — Waited  on  Mr.  Hallock,  the  Corres- 
ponding Secretary  of  the  American  Tract  Society,  who 
requested  an  address  from  me  before  the  Tract  Society, 

14 


158  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

in  the  Brick  Church,  on  Sabbath  evening,  19th.    The  pro- 
priety of  my  compliance  is  yet  dubious. 

In  the  afternoon  I  visited  the  Asylum.  Some  difficulty 
existed  between  the  matron  and  one  of  the  girls.  Each 
told  her  own  story  ;  I  sided  with  neither,  for  both  were  to 
blame — the  girl  in  stubbornness,  and  the  matron  for  be- 
ing angry  and  reproaching  the  girl  with  her  former  life- 
Reproach  coming  from  this  quarter  stings  deeply,  and  is 
not  soon  forgotten.  After  the  stories  of  each  were  told,  I 
kneeled  and  prayed.  All  wept.  The  female  wept  for  the 
first  time.  After  prayer,  she  stepped  into  the  opposite 
room  and  wept.  I  took  her  by  the  hand  and  led  her  to  the 
matron,  and  requested  them  to  shake  hands  in  friendship. 
This  being  done,  we  sang  a  sweet  song,  and  parted,  after  a 
second  prayer. 

Sabbath,  19 th. — Staid  with  Mr.  Pierson  last  evening. 
Had  a  most  interesting  meeting  in  the  Penitentiary  this 
morning.  Many  of  the  females  wept.  They  listened  at- 
tentively to  the  account  given  of  the  house.  Mr.  Burtis 
called  in,  and  told  them  the  object  in  view  was  to  break 
up  the  whole  Penitentiary  system  for  females,  and  intro- 
duce them  to  a  place  in  which  they  would  be  taken  care 
of.  Pleasure  seemed  to  pervade  many  hearts.  O  how 
grateful  the  recollection,  that  mercy  to  prisoners  begets  in 
them  kindly  feelings  of  regard  and  attachment  to  him  who 
visits  them,  as  an  angel  of  mercy,  bearing  glad  tidings  of 
great  joy,  that  a  Savior  is  born — a  Savior  for  all  those/ 
and  for  those  alone,  who  believe  on  his  name. 

In  the  evening  we  had  a  meeting  at  the  Five  Points. 
The  boys  are  entirely  ungovernable.  Some  efficient  mea- 
sures must  be  taken  to  check  this  conduct. 

Wednesday,  29th. — Visited  my  pariah  this  night.  In 
Anthony-street  we  had  a  prayer-meeting  in  a  house  of  ill- 
fame  kept  by  a  colored  woman.  Three  white  girls  staid 
with  her.  There  were  three  men  in  the  house  ;  one  was^ 
a  sailor,  one  a  young  man  from  the  city,  one  a  iriarrieJ. 


REV.    JOHN    R.    >I  DOWALL.  159 

man  fiom  the  country.  We  talked  to  them  and  prayed. 
The  old  woman  tried  to  exculpate  herself  by  saying  she 
kept  the  girls  out  of  kindness  to  them, — that  they  could 
give  money  to  their  mothers  by  pursuing  this  course. 

In  Chatham-street  we  saw  two  beautiful  females — they 
were  as  fair  as  lilies — vice  had  not  yet  faded  the  bloom  ot 
their  cheeks.     One  mistress  of  a  house  told  us, 

*'  Gentlemen  visit  my  house.  Perhaps  some  of  those 
very  men  you  would  not  like  to  have  see  you  here,  come 
here  themselves,  and  that  for  no  good  purpose." 

We  saw  many  beautiful  girls  richly  dressed.  The  num- 
ber of  lewd  women  is  so  great,  no  wonder  a  virtuous  fe- 
male cannot  go  out  at  certain  hours  without  being  insulted. 
If  a  female  condescends  to  look  at  a  man  in  the  evening, 
he  unhesitatingly  concludes  she  is  a  very  fine  article,  in 
rich  demand  among  gentlemen  at  the  exchange  of  Venus. 
If  a  female  stand  in  the  street,  about  a  corner,  or  a  window, 
or  a  door,  or  stand  on  the  pavement  in  close  conversation 
with  a  man,  it  is  just  to  conclude  she  is  a  lewd  woman.  If 
girls  pass  along  in  company,  laughing,  tossing  their  heads, 
gesticulating  as  if  they  were  in  ecstacies  of  pleasure,  enter- 
ing pastries  and  oyster-shops,  or  breaking  loose  one  from 
the  other,  or  answering  anj^  civil  question  from  a  stranger, 
men  conclude  it  is  safe  to  solicit  the  privilege  of  accompa- 
nying them,  as  guardians,  to  their  residence. 

Thursday,  30^A.— Meeting  at  the  Five  Points.  The 
first  business  was  to  send  all  the  boys  away.  We  find 
it  impossible  to  govern  them.  People  in  the  neighborhood 
assign  this  as  a  reason  why  they  will  not  attend  meetings 
more  regularly. 

Called  to  see  Caroline  Smith,  a  girl  in  a  house  of  higher 
assignation  than  can  usually  be  found  at  the  Five  Points. 
She  is  an  interesting  woman.  Poor  girl !  she  knows  the 
fatal,  the  inevitable  end  that  awaits  her.  She  trembles  and 
wishes  to  leave  the  place.  I  gave  her  my  name,  and  told 
her  to  reflect  seriously  on  the  subject.    I  placed  before  her 


160  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

the  course  of  life  and  death.  I  showed  her  the  difficulties 
she  must  encounter  to  reach  heaven.  I  showed  her  the 
end  of  her  path,  and  the  severe  pains  and  disgrace  she 
must  endure  in  her  progress  to  perdition.  She  wept ;  she 
asked  where  she  could  see  me.  Poor  girl !  I  feel  for  her  ; 
she  has  seen  brighter  days. 

Ah,  that  fathers,  in  looking  on  their  daughters,  would 
hear  in  mind  that  girls,  as  far  above  suspicion  as  their  own 
beloved  children,  and  as  reputable,  too,  in  rank,  and  intel- 
lect, and  the  accomplishments,  too,  that  adorn  the  female 
character,  have  fallen  ;  and  that  thousands  of  them  are  dis- 
persed through  the  c'lij,  with  broken  hearts,  in  want  and 
m  sickness,  at  this  moment. 

Friday,  3\st. — Walked  from  Roosevelt-street  to  the  Peni- 
tentiary before  half-past  four  A.  M.  Lost  a  handkerchief  by 
the  way  in  watching  a  fiddler  at  five  in  the  morning.  Saw 
some  cellars  open.  Alas  !  how  many  cellars  are  open  all 
night  for  night-walkers,  and  closed  all  day  for  sleep.  O 
this  guilty  city  !    Vice  is  deeply  fixed  in  it. 

It  is  hoped  success  will  attend  the  effort  to  develope  the 
results  of  kidnapping  persons.  The  result  would  shake 
the  city ;  and  so  it  should.  May  the  Lord  grant  success  to 
the  doctor  who  dared  to  lay  down  the  dissecting-knife 
and  leave  the  lecture-room.  The  Lord  protect  his  life, 
and  enable  him  to  escape  the  malice  of  the  guilty  villains 
trembling  for  fear  of  detection.  May  he  escape  and  bring 
them  to  justice.  May  God's  people  awake  to  prayer,  and 
exercise  strong  faith.  May  men  feel  they  are  acting  for 
God,  and  that  God  will  bring  them  to  judgment. 

Visited  the  house  of  Mr.  Pierson,  and  waited  half  an 
hour,  on  a  verbal  invitation  to  meet  the  directors  of  the  Fe- 
male Assistant  Society  of  New- York,  the  first  I  have  re- 
ceived since  I  came  to  the  city  ;  and  none  having  appeared 
within  that  time,  I  attended  to  my  regular  routine  of  bu- 
siness. The  commotion  and  war  of  my  feelings  no  gra- 
phic pen  can  paint.    But  the  troubled  waters  will  soon  be 


KEV.    JOHN    R.    m'doWALL.  161 

<calm.  All  I  need  at  present  is  decision  in  the  government 
of  my  strong  emotions,  that  I  may  be  a  reasonable  as  well 
as  a  feelirig  being. 

I  visited  the  young  widow  whose  character  I  drew  a 
few  days  since.  She  is  living  comfortably  in  a  little  cham- 
ber, supporting  herself  by  midnight  rambles.  I  read  to 
her  the  description  of  her  character,  as  drawn  from  the 
sacred  Scriptures.  She  asked  me  to  call  and  see  her  again. 

Saturday,  January  1st,  1831. — In  company  with  Mr. 
Eurtis,  I  visited  the  females  in  the  hospital  of  the  Peniten- 
tiary. Several  of  the  poor  girls  wept  and  wished  to  see 
me  again.  Some  modestly  but  solicitously  asked  if  they 
could  keep  the  Testaments  loaned  to  them  in  the  Sabbath 
School,  and  their  wish  was  unhesitatingly  satisfied. 

One  looked  up  from  a  bed  of  sickness,  while  a  starting 
tear  moistened  her  sunken  eyes,  and  said,  "  I  wish  to  spenk 
to  you."  I  left  Mr.  Burtis,  and  drew  near  to  her  bed-side, 
as  she  opened  a  Testament,  and  pointed  me  to  the  story  of 
Lazarus  and  Jesus,  saying, 

"  I  opened  to  this  chapter  last  evening — it  is  a  good  one 
—I  feel  it." 

It  is  more  than  I  deserve  to  have  so  much  gratitude 
manifested  to  me  by  these  poor  subjects  of  cruel  seduc- 
tion !  O  cruel  seducer  1  could  you  see  the  end  of  your 
lascivious  sport  in  the  hospital,  and  prison,  and  in  hell,  it 
v/ould  affect  your  heart,  if  it  were  not  yet  callous  as  the 
tigers.  The  keepers  of  the  prison  are  kind  and  courteous 
to  me.     They  claim  my  respect,  and  they  haw  it. 

Eight  0^ clock  P.  M. — I  have  just  returned  from  a  visit 
to  tv^elve  wards  in  the  Aims-House.  Mr.  Burtis  accom- 
panied me.  Our  main  object  was  to  persuade  them  to 
read  the  sacred  Scriptures  regularly.  In  two  of  the 
twelve  wards  we  found  they  regularly  read  a  portion  of 
4he  Bible  before  retiring  to  rest. 

In  one  room  the  women  were  in  great  trouble.     One 
^A'as  carried  away  to  a  guard-room  by  the  Alderman ;  some 
14* 


162  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

of  the  poor  women  were  very  angry.  So  I  talked  to  them 
about  murder— taking  the  text,  "  Whoso  is  angry  with  his 
brother,"  &c.  is  a  murderer,  and  then  briefly  showing  the 
reason  why  the  angry  person  is  a  murderer.  It  appeared 
to  affect  them  in  a  peculiar  manner,  though  pleasantly. 
One  woman  was  disturbing  the  others  by  her  loud  cries. 
She  had  been  in  the  habit  of  taking  too  much  strong 
drink.  I  expostulated  with  her,  and  required  her  to  be 
the  best  woman  in  the  ward ;  assuring  her  such  a  course 
would  secure  a  speedy  redress  of  grievances. 

In  another  room  a  woman  sung  the  judgment  hymn, 
in  a  sweet  but  solemn  tone.  It  was  precious  as  the  dew 
of  heaven  to  my  soul.  As  in  other  rooms,  so  in  this,  I 
alluded  to  the  employment  of  our  voices  in  the  world  of 
spirits,  either  in  seraphic  strains  of  joyous  music,  or  in 
the  dolorous  wails  of  the  lost. 

In  another  I  found  a  company  of  deists.  One  man  of 
more  than  ordinary  intellectual  powers  attracted  my  at- 
tention. I  reasoned  with  him  half  an  hour,  grounding 
my  arguments  on  principles  he  admitted.  He  spoke  of 
the  Bible.  I  told  him  I  would  have  nothing  to  say  of  the 
Bible  to-night ;  but,  as  he  admitted  the  existence  of  a 
God,  the  immortality  of  the  soul,  and  that  God  was  just, 
I  would  base  my  argument  on  the  principle  of  divine 
justice,  and  show  that  an  atonement  was  necessary,  on  that 
principle,  to  save  the  sinner, 

I  closed  my  argument  by  relating  my  own  experience, 
and  the  effect  of  a  discourse,  by  an  Episcopal  minister,  on 
the  atonement  of  Christ:  "  Nor  is  there  any  name  given 
under  heaven,"  &c. 

In  another  ward  a  beautiful  female  was  lying  in  great 
distress.  It  is  believed  she  will  die.  Her  mind  is  in 
deep  agitation.  She  thinks  of  her  guilt,  and  is  troubled. 
Poor  girl !  she  is  the  victim  of  a  seducer.  O  that  he 
could  see  her — hear  her.  The  sight  and  the  hearing 
would  pierce  his  soul.    Before  morning  she  may  be  gone. 


REV.  JOHN  R.  m'dowall.  163 

1  spoke  to  her  of  a  Redeemer's  love,  &c.  a  Redeemer's 
blood,  and  uttered  the  Psalmist's  prayer  :  "  Have  mercy 
on  me,  O  God." 

A  review  of  the  results  of  deception  and  seduction, 
such  as  have  to-day  come  under  my  observation,  is  calcu- 
lated to  rouse  the  feelings  of  humanity  and  christian  love 
in  behalf  of  the  afflicted,  and  injured,  and  dying  subjects  of 
seduction  and  sin.  Thus  closes  the  public  labors  of  the 
first  day  of  the  year  1831,  after  two  visits  to  the  hospital 
— one  to  the  penitentiary  girls,  and  one  to  each  of  twelve 
wards  in  the  Poor-House. 

Feb.  20ih. — Mrs.  Jameson  kept  a  house  of  assignation, 
was  indicted  and  imprisoned  for  six  months.  She  gave 
$14  50  for  a  pardon,  which  came  40  days  before  the  term 
of  her  imprisonment  ended.  The  money  was  made  by  a 
woman  she  hired  to  attend  to  her  house  while  she  was  in 
prison.    This  house  brought  her  about  $3000  per  annum. 


CHAPTER  XX. 


Visit  to  Bellevue— 'Affecting  incident— Testimony  of  A.  P. — Peni* 
tentiary  accommodations — Story  of  a  young  girl — The  aged  mo- 
ther— Description  of  houses  of  ill-fame — City  thieves —Remarks. 

Visited  the  Bellevue  Hospital ;  Dr.  Wood  accompanied 
me  to  each  ward.  We  disposed  of  the  hundred  Testaments 
Mr.  Tappan  furnished  for  the  several  wards  ;  several  wards 
are  supplied  with  but  one  or  two  of  them.  About  one  hun- 
dred more  are  needed  for  the  Hospital,  in  order  to  give  a 
Testament  to  each  bed  and  sick  person. 

If  some  plan  could  be  devised  and  executed  to  bring 
the   females  in   the    Bridewell,    Penitentiary,   and  State 


104  MEMOIR    OF    THE 


Prison  under  a  daily  religious  inflaence,  much  good 
might  be  effected,  and  a  vast  amount  of  evil  prevented. 

Suppose  some  person  should  daily  read  aloud  one  hour 
in  the  forenoon  and  one  in  the  afternoon,  there  might  be 
some  hope  of  success  •  under  existing  circumstances,  evil 
communications  continually  corrupt  their  minds. 

A  smile,  the  smile  of  hope,  played  on  many  a  face  this 
afternoon,  as  I  related  the  scenes  I  had  viewed,  and  in 
which  I  had  been  a  principal  actor,  at  the  Five  Points,  to 
rescue  unfortunate  women.  Tears  flowed  from  many 
eyes  when  I  told  them  we  would  provide  for  every  one 
who  would  comply  with  the  regulations  of  our  house. 

The  conversation,  in  one  word,  is  impure  beyond  con- 
ception; I  levelled  my  artillery  at  those  horrid  monsters 
in  crime.  Some  were  awed — some  shed  a  tear— some 
nodded — some  looked  at  others  in  fear,  and  some  were 
pleased. 


February  lOth. — Last  evening  I  found  Jane  Smith,  who 
had  been  at  the  probation-house,  in  a  cellar,  sitting  on  a 
stone  by  the  side  of  a  little  furnace,  which  contained  a 
stick  with  a  little  fire  attached  to  the  end  of  it.  She  had 
no  shoes,  and  the  calico  gown  she  wore  belonged  to  Jane 
Anderson,  who  sat  at  her  side.  She  had  had  nothing  to 
eat  for  several  days  but  what  Mr.  Pierson  had  sent  to  her. 
An  old  colored  woman  came  in,  her  head  covered  with 
an  old  garment,  and  said  her  feet  were  frozen,  and  that 
she  suffered  greatly.  I  told  her  to  make  a  good  fire,  and 
I  would  pay  for  it.  One  was  made,  and  the  heat  and 
smoke  began  again  to  Avarm  the  room.  In  the  corner  of 
the  room  lay  a  filthy  pallet  of  straw,  a  blanket,  black  as 
nio-ht,  spread  over  it.  On  this  bed  Jane  Smith  and  the 
colored  woman  slept.    I  removed  Jane  to  Mr.  Sair's. 

This  morning,  February  \Uh,  passing  the  entrance  of 
ihe  cellar  from  which  1  had  taken  Jane  the  last  evening. 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  165 

I  raised  the  outer  door  and  called  to  those  below.  I  asked 
if  the  white  woman  was  there.  She  was,  and  was  sleep- 
ing on  the  floor,  without  a  cover.  Poor  thing  !  she  came 
to  the  inner  door  and  looked  most  dejected  and  debased. 
While  talking  to  her,  a  female  at  the  other  side  of  the 
street,  standing  at  the  entrance  of  a  deep  allej',  called, 

"Mr.  M'Dowall,  I  want  to  speak  with  you." 

I  crossed,  and  spoke  to  her. 

"O!"  said  the  5'oung  woman,  as  dejection  marked  her 
face,  "  I  have  been  standing  here  all  night.  I  am  cold.  I 
hope  you  will  forgive  me.  I  made  bold  to  speak  to  you, 
for  I  know  you  are  a  friend  to  poor,  unfortunate  women. 
I  want  to  do  better;  but  1  have  no  home;  I  do  not  know 
where  to  go,  nor  Avhat  to  do.  I  want  to  go  to  your 
asylum.  What  shall  I  do  ?  I  will  do  any  thing  you  say. 
There  is  another  girl  in  the  house  the  back  of  this. 
She  wishes  to  go  there  too.  Mr.  M'Dowall,  will  you  par- 
don me  for  speaking  to  you  ?   I  know  you  pity  poor  girls." 

Here  I  interrupted  her,  and  bade  her  follow  me. 

"O  sir,  shall  I  call  the  other  woman?  She  wishes  to  go 
there  too ;  she  has  no  home." 

I  consented,  and  she  passed  through  the  alley.  I  fol- 
lowed her  to  the  house.  Poor  thing !  she  was  not  even  de- 
cently clad.  She  was  very  filthy  ;  her  face  and  her  hands 
were  covered  with  dirt ;  her  face  was  marked  with  per- 
pendicular lines  of  dirt  from  her  eyes  to  her  chin.  The 
dust  had  settled  on  the  streams  of  tears  and  caused  it. 

"  O  Mr.  M'Dowall,  1  know  you  are  the  friend  of  unfor- 
tunate girls,"  she  repeated  in  the  house,  as  she  said,  "  I 
stood  there  where  you  saw  me  all  night ;  I  was  very  cold." 

And  no  wonder,  for  the  poor  injured  woman  had  only 
a  thin  gown  of  calico,  and  tattered,  to  shelter  her  youthful 
body.  How  differently  she  looks  after  a  scrubbing  in  the 
laundry,  and  a  change  of  apparel !  The  other  poor  thing, 
Jane  Anderson,  too,  was  trembling  with  cold. 


166  MEMOIR    OF    THE 


Testimony  of  A 


"  I  was  one  of  four  girls  who  went  to  the  theatre  every 
night — the  Park  and  Bowery.  I  spent  $1  00  a  night 
regularly,  fall  and  spring,  the  time  to  get  presents  from 
the  southerners  and  strangers.  My  expenses'  were  at 
least  $18  00  per  week.  $2,320  is  the  least  sum  I  spent 
in  two  years  and  a  half.  The  expenses  of  the  eight  girls 
at  Ann's,  annually,  is  $18,720.  At  least  twenty  men  of  an 
evening  in  this  house  of  hell." 

Penitenliary  Accommodations. 

A  straw  bed,  no  pillow ;  and  two  blankets  for  every 
two  women  in  winter.  Each  woman  in  summer  has  one 
blanket,  and  the  floor  for  a  bed.  Bed-clothes  washed  once 
a  year,  and  covered  with  vermin  ;  no  fire  ;  no  candles  in 
summer  or  winter. 

The  period  of  commitment  being  but  sixty  days,  they 
must  then  leave  it  to  make  room  for  others  of  the  same 
class.  On  their  discharge  they  are  destitute  of  money, 
character,  and  friends  ;  they  have  no  home  ;  their  parents 
are  dead,  or  reduced,  or  at  a  distance,  or  refuse  to  do  any 
thing  more  for  them :  the  doors  of  the  virtuous  are  closed 
against  them ;  no  one  will  receive  them  as  domestics. 
What  can  they  do  ?  They  are  obliged  to  perish  with  hun- 
ger, and  cold,  and  nakedness  in  the  streets,  or  resort  to  the 
same  course  of  life.  In  the  course  of  a  few  days  they  are 
again  in  prison,  and  again  out  of  it.  So  rapid  is  the  repe- 
tition of  this  course,  that  some  in  the  prime  of  life  have 
the  eighteenth  time  entered  the  prison,  not  merely  without 
being  reformed,  but  educated  in  all  the  arts  of  wickedness. 
The  unfortunate  youth  is  lodged  in  the  same  room  with  the 
old  and  hardened  offender.  Add  to  this  the  licentious  songs, 
ribaldry,  and  blasphemy  of  the  inmates,  and  how  is  it  pos- 
sible to  prevent  the  commission  of  crime,  secure  the  design 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  167 

of  their  imprisonment,  the  reformation  of  their  character, 
and  obviate  the  demoralizing  influence  of  this  "  college  of 
vice,"  when  one  hundred  and  eighty  county  females  (the 
present  number  of  that  prison)  are  nearly  all  crowded  into 
four  night  rooms.  If  a  woman  should  think  of  reforming 
and  abandoning  her  evil  ways,  it  would  be  almost  im- 
possible. 

Julia  Baker  died,  by  having  taken  opium,  yesterday,  at 
four  o'clock.  A  physician  was  sent  for,  but  too  late.  A 
man  in  this  city  having  left  her,  after  an  acquaintance  of 
four  or  five  years,  she  resolved  on  suicide,  and  effected  it. 

The  coffin  was  closed,  to  prevent  her  disfigured  face  from 
being  seen.  While  in  this  house,  a  report  came  that  an- 
other girl  had  poisoned  herself     It  was  a  strange  scene. 

It  was  in  the  family  of  the  w^oman  who  raised  the  window^ 

on  Sabbath-day,  and  asked  me  to  come  in.    I  told  her  I 

would  come  in  and  pray  with  her. 

Susan,  who  is  now  in  the  Asylum,  and  is  rejoicing  in 

hopes  of  the  Gospel,  was  in  that  house,  drunlj  and  noisy. 

How  difficult  for  us  to  select  subjects  for  the  grace  of  God. 

It  is  impossible.     Susan  who  was  drunk,  is  reformed,  and 

Julia  w^ho  was  sober,  is  dead.* 

Who  can  read  the  graphic  sketch  of  the  poor  penitent, 

repeating,  "  Mr.  M'Dowall,  I  know  you  are  a  friend  to 

*  Should  the  reader  become  satiated  with  reading  the  details  of 
Magdalcns,  Magdalen  Asylums,  and  houses  of  infamy,  let  him  recol- 
lect he  is  not  reading  the  life  of  Taylor,  of  Payson,  of  Brainerd  ;  no, 
not  of  Howard,  but  of  MWoWall,  the  man  who  dared  t-o  sell  all  that  he 
had  for  Christ,  not  even  retaining  his  "  good  name,"  that  the  long 
hidden  abominations  of  the  violated  seventh  commandment  might  be 
told  in  your  wondering  ears. 

Recollect,  too,  his  pulpit  was  the  highway,  the  lanes  and  the  alleys, 
the  prisons  and  ships,  the  garrets  and  cellars ;  liis  audience,  the 
drunkard  and  swearer,  the  infidel,  the  murderer,  and  the  adulterer. 

His  salary  was  obloquy  and  contempt.  Remember,  too,  he  ate  but 
little "  pleasant  bread,"  and  drank  the  "bitter  waters  of  Marah," 
while  his  eyes  ran  down  with  tears  for  the  slain  of  the  daughters  of 
his  people. 


1G8  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

poor  unfortunate  girls.  I  have  been  standing  here  all 
night," — and  not  be  touched — touched  with  pity  for  the 
wretched  outcast,  and  with  admiration  at  the  man  who, 
by  his  kindness,  should  even  dare  to  draw  on  him  the 
blessings  of  such  sinners  "  ready  to  perish  ?" 

To  recur  to  the  Journal.  The  stratagems  used  by  the 
keepers  of  these  infernal  abodes  to  secure  their  prey, 
would  many  times  need  the  experience  of  advanced  years 
to  chide.  One  case  maybe  given,  as  a  tolerable  specimen. 

"  I  was  sent,"  said  a  girl,  "  on  an  errand  to  the  doctor. 
A  woman  over  the  way  saw  me,  and  invited  me  in.  I 
went  in — the  house  was  well  furnished.  I  knew  not 
who  or  what  she  was,  or  what  her  house  was.  She  told 
me  I  vvas  a  fine  girl,  and  pretty.  '  0  !'  said  she,  '  don't 
you  belong  to  Aberdeen  T 

"  No." 

•'  Then  she  began  to  tell  me  she  was  acquainted  with 
gentlemen,  and  they  would  like  such  pretty  girls,  and  I 
might  get  some  rich  one." 

'*  I  knew  not  what  she  meant,  nor  what  to  do.  I  took 
my  things  from  the  sofa  and  vvas  going.  She  would 
hardly  let  me  go.  She  made  me  promise  to  return.  I 
met  her  again  in  the  street.  She  said  she  had  been  look- 
ing for  me — that  she  had  something  to  tell  me — that  I 
would  be  glad  to  hear  it — that  I  must  call  again.  I 
agreed.  She  wished  me  to  come  that  night.  I  did  not 
go.  The  third  time  I  saw  her  was  on  the  Sabbath  after- 
noon. I  was  then  under  fourteen  years  of  age.  I  was 
passing  her  house — it  was  snowing,  cold,  and  blowing. 
She  was  at  the  door.  She  took  me  by  the  arm,  and  told 
me  to  come  in  out  of  the  storm.  I  told  her  I  was  going 
to  church.  She  urged  me,  by  the  storm,  the  wind,  and  the 
cold,  to  go  in.  She  left  me,  and  soon  returned,  and  said 
she  had  known  many  girls  and  gentlemen,  and  had  done 
much  for  them,  and  might  for  me — and  might  marry  me. 

"  I  was  proud  and  extravagant  in  dress.     Col.  Black 


RE7.     JOHN    R.     m'dOwALL.  169 

came  in,  and  she  left  me.  I  had  urged  the  need  of  going 
before,  but  she  kept  me.  She  said  to  the  Colonel,  you  like 
pretty  girls :  this  is  a  stranger.  If  you  like  her,  and  I 
think  you  will,  and  get  her,  you  will  get  a  prize. 

"  He  called  for  a  bottle  of  wine  and  made  me  drink.  I 
became  dizzy.  He  talked  to  me  about  my  father,  and 
urged  me  to  drink. 

"  '  I  have  taken  too  much  already.  If  I  take  more,  I 
know  not  how  I  shall  reach  home.' 

"  At  about  1 1  at  night  I  went  home.  He  went  with  me 
to  the  gate.     I  told  him  I  knew  not  what  to  do. 

"  '  O,  make  no  noise — keep  it  still — make  out  a  fine 
story.' 

*'  I  was  ruined  ;  my  friends  mistrusted  me.  The  old  wo- 
man found  me  again,  and  urged  me  to  go  in.  I  was  an- 
gry and  would  not,  but  she  finally  persuaded  me,"  &c. 

This  is  the  tragical  end  of  many  a  fair  blossom,  wither- 
ed by  the  bitter  blasts  of  these  cruel  ones. 

I  have  seen  a  mother  weeping  and  refusing  to  he  com- 
forted. Reader,  have  you  ever  mourned  the  loss  of  a  son 
of  bright  hopes,  or  for  a  brother  tenderly  beloved  ?  Then 
you  know,  a  little,  the  bitterness  of  grief ;  but  when  a  few 
months  have  passed  away,  this  love  for  the  dead  is  soon 
transferred  to  the  living. 

This  sorrow  refines  the  feelings  of  the  heart,  and  pre- 
pares it  to  weep  with  those  that  weep.  It  is  sympathy 
which  casts  a  beauteous  shade  over  the  deformed  passions 
of  man,  and  makes  them  appear  less  odious  than  their 
reality. 

But  there  is  a  parental  sorrow  yet  more  distressing 
than  death,  as  it  is  no  less  severe,  and  of  longer  continu- 
ance— it  is  that  for  a  prodigal  son.  I  have  heard  an 
anxious  mother,  of  76,  with  hairs  as  white  as  wool,  utter 
piteous  words.  I  have  seen  her,  though  supported  by  a 
staff  and  bent  downwards,  leave  the  house  of  comfort  in 
the  chills  of  a  December  night,  and  travel  nearly  a  mile 

15 


170  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

to  look  after  an  only  son,  who  repaid  her  alTection  an^l 
anxious  cares  with  reproach  and  abuse.  Often  has  this 
aged  mother's  heart  bled  !   Ah,  well  might  she  exclaim, 

"  Behold,  all  ye  mothers  who  are  called  to  part  with  your 
sons  by  death,  and  see  if  any  of  you  have  sorrow  like  unto 
my  sorrow.  It  is  keener  than  that  of  death.  The  grave 
would  be  a  shelter  for  my  aching  heart ;  but  I,  in  my  old 
age,  see  my  son,  my  only  child,  wicked  and  abandoned — 
can  I  see  him  I  loved  so  tenderly,  can  I  call  him — a 
wretch !    O  that  I  had  buried  him  from  the  cradle !" 

This  sorrow  often  brings  the  hoary  head  to  a  hasty 
grave.  It  refuses  consolation.   The  mourning  parent  says, 

"  I  will  go  down  to  the  grave  mourning  for  my  lost  son." 

Description  of  houses  of  ill-fame.  I  would  remark,  these 
houses  vary  in  appearance  and  style,  as  the  class  of  peo- 
ple who  resort  to,  or  live  in  them,  vary.  Some  of  these  are 
splendid  three  and  four  story  brick  houses,  elegantly  fur- 
nished wath  the  richest  carpeting,  plate,  and  other  furni- 
ture within,  and  large  plates  of  brass  or  silver  on  the 
doors,  on  which  are  engraven  the  real  or  fictitious  names 
of  the  occupants.  Others  are  less  splendid,  and  not  so 
richly  furnished.  Again,  there  are  some  of  these  houses 
whose  external  appearance  is  only  equalled  by  the  inter- 
nal filth  and  nauseous  scent  of  their  abandoned  tenants. 

There  are  two  classes  of  these  houses — houses  of  assig- 
nation and  boarding-houses.  In  the  houses  of  assignation 
there  is  a  diflference.  Some  of  them  are  very  genteel  in 
appearance,  and  others  quite  the  reverse. 

The  house  is  often  kept  by  a  single  individual  tenant; 
sometimes  by  a  male  and  sometimes  a  female.  These 
houses  are  not  only  reputable  in  appearance  but  in  lo- 
cation;  often  next  door  to  a  church,  or  a  house  where 
church-members  dwell.  Others  are  less  reputable,  and  so 
filthy,  a  description  of  them  would  be  indelicate.  It  would 
be  very  difficult  to  find  a  street  in  this  city  of  any  magni- 
tude in  which  there  is  not  a  house  of  this  class.    They 


REV.    JOHN    R.    M  DOWALL.  171 

5ire  in  Broadway  and  Catharine-lane.    And  where  is  the 
intermediate  street  in  which  they  are  not? 

The  number  of  boarders  in  these  houses  varies  from 
three  to  eighteen.  Some  persons  say  there  is  one  house 
that  contains  between  thirty  and  forty  females.  I  believe 
the  average  number  in  each  house  is  about  six.  The  price 
of  board  varies.  In  some  houses  the  boarders  have  paid 
fifteen  dollars.  Ten  dollars  is  about  the  highest  price  paid 
by  those  who  are  called  girU,  Five  dollars  is  the  lowest 
board  any  girl  can  procure  in  what  is  called  a  genteel 
house.  Three  dollars  is  the  lowest  price  paid  for  board  in 
the  most  degraded,  dirty  house  in  the  city.  In  many  of 
these  houses  there  are  six  or  more  of  the  city  thieves  living 
with  one  of  these  girls,  who  participates  with  them  in 
their  plunder. 

CITY  THIEVES. 

These  are  a  numerous  class  of  young  men,  some  from 
the  first  families  in  the  country,  combined  into  a  regular 
society.  Their  booty  is  conveyed  into  fencing-houses,  that 
is,  houses  for  the  receiving  and  secreting  stolen  goods, 
until  they  can  be  removed  to  pawn-brokers,  and  other 
shops  in  the  city  and  country,  and  sold  either  at  public  or 
private  sale;  for  the  thieves  divide  their  spoils  according 
to  the  principles  of  the  fraternity. 

They  are  banded  together  by  a  great  oath,  for  secrecy 
and  security,  mutual  aid  and  protection,  and  are  ranged  in 
different  classes,  having  for  each  class  a  language  and  a 
system  of  signs,  and  curious  instruments,  known  to  but 
few,  except  those  of  their  own  confederacy. 

The  counterfeiters  are  scattered  like  free-masons  through 
the  country,  but  differing  from  them  in  robbing  the  com- 
tnunity  by  passing  on  the  ignorant  the  spurious  produc 
tions  of  their  mint  and  plates.  The  effects  of  this  gang  o 
deceivers  are  very  well  understood  by  the  reader. 

The  black-legs,  or  the  knucklers,  are  the  "  gentlemen 


172  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

prigs,"  who  ("flash")  resort  to  the  first  public-houses  in 
the  country,  and  cannot  be  distinguished  from  the  most 
polite  gentlemen.  They  travel  from  city  to  city,  remaining 
but  a  short  time  in  each.  Polished  in  their  manners,  and 
expert  at  gambling,  they  despise  the  petty  thief  as  much  as 
a  '  high  girl"  of  the  street  does  a  low  one  of  her  own  cha- 
racter. It  is  said  there  are  thirty  or  forty  in  a  club.  To 
find  a  more  perfect  class  of  gamblers  might  be  difScult. 
They  plunder  steam-boats,  hotels,  exchange  trunks,  pick 
pockets,  &c. 

The  sixties  are  composed  of  half-grown  lads,  apprentices, 
and  mechanics.  They  plunder  in  companies;  are  divided 
into  parties,  each  containing  about  twenty  persons,  under 
a  captain,  "  Lumbard  Cove,"  who  assembles  them  regu- 
larly twice  in  the  evening  on  which  the  grand  lodge  is 
held.  The  first  meeting  is  to  arrange  the  subdivisions  ; 
about  dark  to  divide  them  into  parties  to  scour  the  streets. 
In  their  language  they  go  out  on  "  the  Grand  Lag'^  come 
home  in  "  the  sneaks  "  If  our  success  in  store-breaking  is 
good,  we'll  come  home  and  rejoice."  Another  phrase  is, 
"  bop  the  twig,"  "  hoist  our  sails,"  "  bend  him  to  the  north- 
ward," that  is,  knock  the  man  down.  Thus  they  form 
their  plans  to  murder  a  man,  and  he  hear  every  word 
and  not  know  the  fact. 

They  are  disguised  in  a  different  dress  from  that  in 
which  they  are  seen  in  the  day-time,  having  false-beards 
and  whiskers  on,  so  that  no  one  can  know  them.  You 
may  see  them  on  the  corners  of  streets  standing  and  loi- 
tering and  jabbering  often  like  a  company  of  half-drunken 
sailors,  strolling  towards  another  corner  at  the  sound  of  a 
whistle  given  by  another  of  the  posse  of  twenty  in  quest 
of  booty.  They  patrol  the  streets,  put  out  the  lights,  and 
on  finding  a  man  they  imagine  has  money,  he  is  assailed 
by  violence  or  stratagem,  and  is  robbed.  Snuff  is  often 
thrown  into  the  eyes.  Sometimes  the  girl  accompanying 
them  is  set  to  rob  him,  and  on   resistance  they  fall  upon 


KEV.    JOHN    R.    M  DOWALL.  I7o 

him,  knock  him  down,  rob  him ;  and  if  he  make  a  noise, 
they  cry  "  watch  ;"  the  girl  and  man  charge  him  with  vio- 
lence to  the  lady,  &c.  Thus  the  thieves  go  clear,  and  the 
injured  man  is  arrested.  Sometimes  they  send  their  "kin- 
chen,"  that  is,  a  little  boy  six  or  eight  years  old,  into  a 
store  to  buy  cigars — -to  make  discoveries  that  the  tvventy 
may  make  a  prize  there  if  possible.  They  have  "doves," 
that  is,  sets  of  keys,  fifty-two  in  a  set,  chisels,  saws,  and 
pick-locks,  which  are  secreted  in  the  day-time. 

At  one  or  two  o'clock  in  the  morning  they  meet  at  the 
house  of  one  of  the  parly,  whose  "  blown,"  that  is,  girl, 
usually  accompanies  them,  sometimes  in  man's  apparel, 
and  play  two  or  three  games  at  cards,  drink  liijuor,  and 
disperse  for  the  remainder  of  the  night  among  houses  of 
ill-fame,  or  retire  to  their  several  dwellings,  which  night- 
keys  enable  them  to  enter.  In  tlie  day-time  they  labor  to 
conceal  their  true  character. 

Their  booty  they  call  "  queer,"  is  deposited  at  a  fencing- 
house,  a  house  for  the  secreting  of  stolen  goods,  when 
twice  a  week  the  several  "  Lumbards  of  the  cove  in  their 
flash  "  meet  under  their  president,  accompanied  by  their 
parties,  to  receive  their  regular  portion  of  the  booty  which 
has  been  sold  to  pawnbrokers  and  others  in  the  city  and 
country  by  their  president  and  captains. 

The  "  forties  " — the  petty  thieves  of  the  city,  will  knock 
a  girl  down  to  steal  her  comb  and  handkerchief,  that  they 
may  pawn  them  for  rum.  Their  "gooseberry  lag"  is  a  plun- 
dering excursion  into  the  less  guarded  parts  of  the  city, 
county,  and  country,  to  steal  pots,  kettles,  pails,  clothes 
bleaching.  These  have  but  little  concert  in  action,  and 
less  honor  than  the  higher  thieves.  They  will  rob  each 
other,  and  fight  about  the  plunder  of  a  night. 

The  name  "  highbinders"  is  sometimes  assigned  them. 

There  is  a  difference  among  the  "  forties,"  as  some  excel 

others  in  stratagem  and  power  of  execution.     These  are 

the  ones  vested  as  tyrants  with  power  to  command.  Their 

15* 


174  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

word  is  law.  Mark  the  case  of  Gibbs,  the  pirate,  as  as 
example  of  sovereignty.  Pirates  travel  the  high  seas 
and  highway-men  lurk  in  dens  and  forests,  and  prowl 
about  stage-roads,  and  watch  the  movements  of  men  from 
commercial  places,  when  laden  with  money,  that  they  may 
rob  them.  These  are  a  terror  to  the  voyager  and  traveler, 
and  their  fame  is  spread  over  the  earth. 

Remarks. 

June  I5fh,  1831. — These  alarming  facts  call  forth  the 
attention  of  the  magistrate  to  trace  out  and  suppress,  as 
far  as  in  him  lies ;  but  however  vigilant  he  may  be,  he 
cannot  heal  the  fountain  ;  this  is  the  work  of  the  parent ; 
Rnd  my  humble  opinion  is,  that  the  grand  defect  in  family 
government  is  pulling  down  the  vengeance  of  heaven 
upon  our  guilty  land.  And  we  need  not  go  into  the  fami- 
lies of  the  poor  and  degraded  to  test  the  truth  of  this  ;  the 
rich,  and  the  noble,  and  the  professed  christian,  too,^  are 
deeply  involved  in  the  difficulty.  In  most  families  where 
I  visit,  I  see  the  worst  principles  of  the  child  and  the 
worst  dispositions  brought  into  action.  The  child  does 
wrong,  the  father  blames  the  mother,  the  mother  in  her 
turn  throws  it  back  upon  the  father,  the  child  hears  it, 
and  perhaps  sulks  away  into  a  corner,  fostering  the  ma- 
lignant passions  within,  while  the  domestic  storm  is  still 
raging,  and  the  father  and  mother  end  the  dispute,  because 
tired  with  the  fruitless  contest. 

Thieving  and  prostitution  are  generally  handmaids — 
and  always  in  houses  of  ill-fame. 

Now  let  us  search  the  foundation. 

I  once  was  acquainted  with  the  family  of  a  minister^, 
where  a  son  became  very  vile,  and  the  cause  seemed  hid- 
den. He  was  lewd,  his  health  became  impaired,  and  his 
life  in  danger.  He  called  upon  the  Lord,  and  was  heard. 
He  forsook  the  evil  courses  he  had  pursued,  and  was  a  good 


REV.    JOHN    R.    M  UOWALL.  175 

man.  Now,  aJl  who  knew  him  would  say,  this  youth 
was  trained  properly,  and  yet  he  was  a  bad  boy,  and  there- 
fore we  must  not  receive  the  declaration,  "  Train  up  a 
child  in  the  way  he  should  go,  and  when  he  is  old  he  will 
not  depart  from  it,"  as  a  rule  to  which  there  are  no  excep- 
tions. But  it  is  evident  that  this  son  of  a  minister  was  not 
brought  up  in  the  way  he  should  go,  for  his  parents,  as  to 
the  seventh  commandment,  let  their  son  grow  up  as  a 
"  wild  ass's  colt,"  wholly  uninstructed  and  ignorant  of  the 
nature  and  consequences  of  violating  the  law.  Doubtless 
there  is  a  great  defect  in  the  education  of  children  in  this 
respect,  and  that  defect  is  often  the  cause  of  the  future  ruin 
of  the  man.  If  children  were  faithfully  taught  all  the  com- 
mands of  God,  and  parental  discipline  properly  kept  up, 
I  do  believe  God  is  a  faithful  God,  and  true  to  his  word, 
and  that  we  should  not  see  houses  of  licentiousness  multi- 
plying around  us,  and  our  streets  invaded  with  the  mid- 
night prowler. 

Children,  in  these  modern  days,  actually  despise  their 
parents,  and  manifest  it  by  their  actions,  tones,  and  words. 
This  root  of  bitterness  in  the  family  circle  blights  the 
fond  hopes  of  mothers,  and  wrings  with  anguish  the  hearts 
of  fathers — brothers  and  sisters  share  in  the  affliction — 
an  affliction  worse  than  death.  Thus  generation  after  ge- 
neration is  reared  in  crime,  and  the  "  curse  of  the  Lord 
must,  and  does  rest  in  the  house  of  the  wicked  "  for  ever. 

Idleness  is  another  fruitful  source  of  thieving  and  licen- 
tiousness. When  children  are  taught  it  is  disreputable  to 
gain  their  bread  by  the  sweat  of  their  brow,  and  to'be  respect- 
able is  to  be  first  in  the  fashions  of  the  world,  what  can  be 
expected  but,  as  soon  as  temptation  offers,  they  will  avail 
themselves  of  the  opportunity  to  become  possessors  of  what- 
ever a  depraved  appetite  may  demand.  "He  that  will  not 
work  shall  not  eat,"  said  the  inspired  penman,  and/e?r, 
very  few  eat  honestly,  who  do  not  obey  this  injunction. 
Our  streets  are  thronged  with  idle  boys,  whose  impudence 


176  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

would  put  to  the  blush  the  children  of  the  wandering  Arab, 
and  whose  profanity  would  well  nigh  shock  a  pirate. 

The  daughters,  too,  of  our  cities,  (and  the  country  is  fall- 
ing into  the  snare,)  what  are  they  doing  ?  Are  "  iheir 
hands  taking  hold  of  the  distaff,"  or  their  fingers  the  nee- 
dle ?  Sometimes,  indeed,  we  see  the  young  Miss  working 
a  purse  or  a  collar,  but  she  would  not  sully  her  fair  hands 
about  any  domestic  concern  ;  and  wonder  not,  ye  mothers, 
when  your  sources  of  extravagance  shall  fail,  though  you 
find  your  daughter  in  a  house  of  infamy,  where  she  has 
the  promise  of  fine  clothes  and  a  life  of  ease ! 

And  where,  O  where  shall  we  look  for  a  remedy  of  these 
wide-spreading  evils  ?  "  Like  people  like  priest,"  they  are 
all  asleep,  wondering  at  the  perversity  of  their  children, 
while  the  awful  tide  of  iniquity  is  rolling  on,  and,  like  a 
mighty  sweeping  deluge,  is  flooding  our  land.  I  weep  in 
secret  places,  but  who  regards  it?  Yea,  they  laugh  when 
1  tell  them  the  destruction  that  is  coming  upon  them ;  and 
to  which  of  the  saints  shall  I  turn?  If  I  reprove  the  child 
of  the  christian  or  the  parent,  I  am  told  I  am  not  a  father, 
and  cannot  know  the  feelings  of  a  parent.  If  I  tell  them 
what  G-od  has  said  in  his  holy  word,  I  am  triumphantly 
told  they  are  not  under  the  Jewish  yoke,  and  shall  not 
stone  their  children  to  death  for  a  little  disobedience.  O 
the  abominations  of  the  land  !  Will  they  cease,  till  God 
comes  out  of  his  place,  and  in  dreadful  wrath  punishes  the 
land  for  her  heaven-daring  iniquities  ? 

June  20ih,  1831. — The  seducer  and  procuresses  seize 
on  the  female  passion  for  dress,  and  present  to  that  passion 
the  object  it  seeks.  If  they  find  a  poor  girl  with  a  pretty 
face,  they  tempt  her  thus, 

"  You  have  no  need  to  labor — you  can  live  as  well  with- 
out it  as  with  it,  and  dress  much  better  too,  and  be  as 
fine  a  lady  as  any  in  the  city.  You  can  walk  or  you  can  ride, 
just  as  you  please — visit  the  theatres,  and  other  places  of 
amusement,  and  have  a  servant  to  wait  on  you,  and  be  your 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  177 

own  mistress."     This  one  bait  has  led  to  vice  and  to  hell 
thousands  of  poor  girls. 


CHAPTER  XXI. 


Story  of  a  Merchant— Dress  of  Christian  Females— License— Dis- 
couragements—Testimony  of  a  Physician — Marria^^e — Magdalen 
Tracts — State  of  suspense — Meeting  of  Ministers — Discourage- 
ments-Manner of  being  found  in  a  Garret — Removal  from  the 
place — Ordination. 

A  merchant  in  New- York  succeeded  in  ruining  from 
twenty  to  fifty  poor  girls  in  this  way.  He  led  an  only  child 
of  a  poor  widow  astray,  by  addressing  all  his  artifices  to 
the  little  girl's  admiration  and  love  of  dress,  first  giving  her 
a  ribbon,  a  gown,  an  orange — patting  her  on  the  head, 
and  giving  her  an  occasional  ride  in  his  carriage.  This 
course  he  pursued  for  several  years.  When  she  was 
about  fifteen  years  old,  he  asked  her  to  ride  with  him,  as 
she  usually  had  done.  He  called  at  a  house  of  ill-fame, 
gave  the  girl  thirty  dollars  to  buy  her  a  suit  of  clothes, 
and  then  accomplished  his  purpose. 

He  left  her  in  about  twenty  days,  turned  her  to  another 
man,  and  she  soon  became  a  girl  of  the  town.  The  mo- 
ther, however,  lived  to  see  her  daughter  reclaimed,  and 
then  received  her  to  her  arms.  Even  in  cases  where 
dress  is  not  the  occasion  of  the  evil  here  mentioned,  other 
painful  consequences  follow. 

We  know  that  it  is  a  prevailing  passion  in  women  to 
imitate  those  women  whom  they  imagine  to  be  wealthy 
and  fashionable.  Now  the  rich  lady  may  sustain  her  ex- 
penses, and  not  suffer  any  inconvenience ;  but  her  extra- 
vagance has  been  the  occasion  of  much  sin  and  misery. 
O  how  much  responsibility  rests  on  the  rich  ? 


1*5'8  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

To  ladies  professing  to  be  Christians,  it  is  barely  neces- 
sary to  say,  that  if  they  do  not  obey  the  commandment  of 
the  Lord  by  his  apostle,  "  To  adorn  themselves  in  mo- 
dest apparel,  not  with  gold,  or  pearl,  or  costly  array,"  &e. 
they  cannot  be  his  disciples,  and  he  will  say  to  them  in 
the  last  day,  "  Depart  from  me,  ye  workers  of  iniquity." 
And  though  they  may  plead  that  they  have  done  many 
wonderful  works,  Christ  will  say — I  commanded  you  to 
visit  the  poor  and  the  needy:  to  go  into  the  highways 
and  hedges,  prisons,  and  hospitals,  but  you  disobeyed  me. 
You  said  it  was  not  fit  and  becoming  for  you  to  visit  such 
places.  But  you  went  to  milliners  and  mantua-makers, 
and  employed  them  to  spend  their  days  and  nights  to 
make  and  to  fit  costly  array,  and  you  employed  the  time, 
and  labor  of  others  in  plaiting  and  decorating  your  hair, 
ears,  wrists,  and  waists.  You  wore  "  gold  and  pearls  "  in 
profusion  ;  you  decked  yourselves  in  immodest  apparel, 
without  "  shamefacedness  and  sobriety."  Yea,  I  say  unto 
you,  that  you  expended  time  enough  at  your  toilets  to 
serve  the  god  of  this  world,  which  if  it  had  been  spent 
doing  good  to  others,  would  have  carried  my  Gospel  to 
every  creature  in  your  city  where  it  was  needed. 

But,  blessed  be  God,  Christ  has  some  women  who 
love  him.  They  choose  to  adorn  themselves  in  modest 
apparel,  with  good  vt'orks.  They  do  not  spend  their  own 
lime,  nor  the  time  of  others  needlessly,  in  decorating  their 
persons,  on  which  worms  will  shortly  feed.  Such  women 
will  hear  the  welcome  plaudit,  *'  Come,  ye  blessed."  But 
go  through  the  abodes  of  darkness,  and  see  how  many  lost 
souls  would  tell  you  they  come  to  that  place  of  torment 
by  the  fashions  and  costly  array  of  rich  men  and  women. 

Here  the  regular  journal  of  Mr.  M'Dovvall  ends.  In 
April  previous,  he  speaks  thus  : 

'*  I  have  become  dissatisfied  with  the  asylum,  and  am 
determined  to  leave  it."  Mr.  Pierson,  who  first  establish- 
ed the  house,  he  believed  was  a  very  godly  man,  but  in- 


REV.    JOHN    R.    M  DOWALL.  179 

culcated  some  doctrines  with  which  he  could  not  accord, 
and  besides;  he  was  under  no  obligation,  as  he  had  engao-ed 
for  no  specific  time.  His  journal  says, — I  went  to  Prince- 
ton to  prepare  my  lecture,  Latin  Essay,  and  popular  ser- 
mon, for  Presbytery ;  went  to  Presbytery  April  27th,  was 
examined  and  licensed  at  Poundbrook,  by  New  Brunswick 
Presbytery.  Returned  to  New- York,  and  continued  till 
September,  laboring  in  the  same  department. 

****** 

His  soul  had  now  become  burthened  with  the  woes  of 
the  abandoned  in  the  cit}^,  and  though  his  inclinations 
strongly  led  him  back  to  Princeton,  yet  his  tender  con- 
science was  urging,  Who  will  plead  the  cause  of  these 

wretched  outcasts,  if  I  abandon  the  field  ?     What  can  I 

what  shall  I  do?  A  lady  at  whose  house  he  stopped  a 
short  time,  remarked,  "  She  had  seen  him  come  in  from 
his  labors  so  exhausted,  it  was  truly  painful  to  see  him, 
exclaiming," 

"  My  soul  is  sick,  and  my  heart  sinks  within  me !  I 
look  on  every  hand,  and  no  one  arises  to  help.  O,  the 
world  will  not  believe  me  !" 

He  finally  resolved  to  place  before  the  public  the  facts 
he  had  collected,  or  a  part  of  them,  knowing  that  the  world 
would  not  receive  all  he  had  gathered,  and  if  the  most  hor- 
rid w'ere  presented  at  first,  the  whole  would  be  rejected. 

While  preparing  these,  he  turned  his  attention  a  little  to 
medicine,  by  attending  medical  lectures  and  reading  at  his 
boarding-house  on  the  subject. 

The  physician  with  whom  he  boarded  at  that  time,  thus 
writes  : 

"  After  the  close  of  his  labors  at  Bowery  Hill,  he  came 
to  my  house  with  an  intention  to  study  and  attend  medical 
lectures,  in  order  to  acquire  some  knowledge  of  the  human 
system,  and  the  origin  and  nature  of  that  disease  incident 
to  the  degraded  class  among  whom  he  labored ;  that  he 
might  be  able  to  trace  i'.s  effects  on  the  constitution,  and  its 


180  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

demoralizing  and  prostrating  influence  on  the  faculties  of 
the  mind. 

"  He  remained  at  my  house  five  months.  During  that 
period  a  great  portion  of  his  nights  \vere  employed  in 
searching  out  the  haunts  of  vice,  and  detecting  groups  of 
that  class  who  resort  thither.  I  often  accompanied  him, 
and  frequently  have  seen  him  endanger  his  life  by  going 
in  the  midst  of  crowds  who  were  gathered  around  the 
haunts  of  sin,  and  reprove  their  wickedness,  and  warn 
them  of  the  judgment  and  misery  that  would  follow,  for 
which  he  would  often  receive  the  most  abusive  language. 
"  His  life  Avas  hunted  by  men  of  this  character,  and  I 
was  fearful  of  walking  with  him  in  the  evening  in  his  cus- 
tomarv  dress.  One  evening  he  effected  his  escape  from 
three  (whose  purpose  was  to  assassinate  him)  near  my 
office.  He  often  took  with  him  a  brother,  and  went  to 
these  houses  to  pray  with  the  inmates,  and  warn  them  of 
the  denunciations  of  heaven  against  their  course  of  life. 

"  His  soul  sickened  at  the  scenes  of  degradation  and  mi- 
sery he  witnessed, — he  would  return  exhausted  and  over- 
come, and  I  would  be  under  the  necessity  of  administering 
to  him  medical  relief  He  would  often  accompany  me  to 
those  houses  of  sin,  when  my  duties  as  a  physician  called 
me,  and  witness  the  death-scenes  of  those  outcasts,  (often 
by  suicide)  whose  horror,  remorse,  and  awful  forebodings 
were  dreadful. 

«'  He  frequently  met  those  females  whom  he  had  warned, 
and  with  v^hom  he  had  prayed,  after  they  were  cast  out 
from  a  home  by  their  wicked  associates;  they,  feeling  him 
to  be  their  friend,  would  follow  him  to  my  house,  weeping 
and  entreating  him  to  direct  them  to  some  home,  where 
they  might  repent  and  reform  their  lives:  and  those  whom 
he  had  persuaded  to  abandon  their  sinful  course,  and  had 
again  turned  back, — likewise  those  who  were  at  Bowery- 
Hill  Institution  when  it  was  broken  up,  (knowing  not 
where  to  go,)  would  come  weeping  around  him,  begging 


REV.    JOHN    R.    M  DOWALL.  181 

to  know  what  they  should  do  for  a  home :  he  would  give 
ihem  what  money  he  had,  and  weep  because  he  could  do 
no  more.  At  his  earnest  request  I  received  some  at  dif- 
ferent times  into  my  house,  till  other  provision  could  be 
made  for  them. 

"  One  Saturday  evening,  as  I  was  sitting  in  my  office,  a 
female  in  miserable  attire  entered,  bewailing  in  bitterness 
her  sad  condition.  This  female  he  had  once  visited  in 
the  Penitentiary.  Her  history  was  a  sad  one.  She  was 
the  daughter  of  a  clergyman,  and  her  relatives  were  mov- 
ing in  highly  respectable  circles  in  this  city.  I  saw  him 
take  the  last  shilling  from  his  pocket  and  give  to  her. 

"  On  or  about  this  time  it  was  that  he  embodied  his  Mag- 
dalen Facts,  which  he  had  been  a  long  time  colIecting,\, 
(not  the  Magdalen  Report,  for  that  he  never  saw  till  after 
it  was  published,)  some  of  which  he  collected  in  the  sphere 
of  my  practice,  the  'Orphan  Girl,'  and  the  'Jersey  Boy,' 
and  others,  while  there  was  a  number  of  cases  in  my  prac- 
tice at  this  time  I  refrained  from  letting  him  know,  on  ac- 
count of  connections,  cases  of  young  men  recently  come 
to  the  city,  children  of  christian  parents  and  elders,  them- 
selves in  good  standing  in  the  same  church,  and  men, 
heads  of  families  in  this  city,  of  good  standing  in  churches. 
■  "  After  the  breaking  up  of  the  Institution  at  Bowery- 
Hill,  which  cast  such  a  dark  shade  over  Mr.  M' Do  wall's 
labors,  and  left  the  enemy  to  triumph,  he  thought,  by  the 
publication  of  the  pamphlet  entitled  "  Magdalen  Facts," 
the  christian  public  might  become  apprised  of  the  enormity 
and  extent  of  this  evil,  over  which  they  were  slumbering 
in  unbroken  lethargy.  After  he  had  got  this  work  ready 
for  publication,  he  found  himself  destitute  of  the  means  to 
defray  the  expense.  He  depended  for  assistance  on  a  gen- 
tleman who  had  'taken  an  interest  in  the  cause,  who,  he 
said,  had,  on  his  refusing  compensation  for  his  labors  as 
chaplain  at  the  Institution  at  Bowery-Hill,  requested  him, 
when  in  want  of  funds,  to  call  on  him.  To  this  gentleman 
16 


182  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

he  addressed  a  note,  requesting  the  aid  of  a  hundred  dol- 
lars, to  which  note  he  received  no  answer.  This  was  a 
severe  disappointment  to  him,  and  caused  him  sleepless 
nights. 

"  He  now  looked  to  the  Lord  for  means  to  enable  him  to 
publish  this  work. 

"  In  a  few  days  a  stranger  entered  my  office,  leaving  a 
letter  addressed  to  Mr.  M' Do  wall,  enclosing  ten  dollars. 
This  stranger,  I  afterwards  learned,  had  married  one  of 
those  reformed  females  he  had  rescued  during  his  labors 
at  Bowery-Hill.  This  amount,  yet  so  small,  encouraged 
him  to  proceed,  and  he  thought  still  further  to  diminish 
his  expenses  by  taking  a  room  in  a  garret  up  town,  and 
providing  his  own  board,  notwithstanding  I  had  boarded 
him  at  a  reduced  price.  This  latter  intention  I  knew  not 
of,  supposing  he  had  taken  board  of  the  family  of  whom 
he  hired  his  room. 

''  It  was  some  time  before  I  ascertained  the  manner  in 
which  he  was  living:  I  then  found  that  he  was  living  on 
bread,  gruel,  and  water :  neither  did  the  family  know 
the  manner  in  which  he  was  living,  being  a  stranger 
to  him. 

"  During  his  residence  in  my  family  he  was  so  intent 
upon  his  pursuits  of  missionary  labors  and  study,  he  toltf 
me,  that  unless  my  family  could  rise  and  have  breakfast 
and  prayers  before  daylight,  he  could  not  unite  with  us, 
This  we  felt  a  privilege  to  do,  and  it  was  a  delightful 
season  to  our  souls,  and  one  that  Avill  long  be  remem 
bered. 

"  He  never  entered  on  any  undertaking  without  makiag 
it  a  subject  of  prayer. 

Waiting  on  the  Lord* 

"  This,  I  have  every  reason  to  think,  he-did  in  his  choice 
of  a  companion.    When  I  observed  lo  him,  that  it  is  not 


REV.    JOHN    R.    M'DOWALL.  183 

according  to  custom  that  a  young  man  should  marry  a 
widow,  he  answered — 

•* '  My  choice  must  be  such  as  the  Lord  directs.  She  is 
a  woman  of  self-denial,  and  has  labored  hard  in  the  cause 
in  which  I  am  engaged.'  And  each  year  of  his  life  has 
evinced  that  the  Lord  had  answered  his  prayer,  in  the 
direction  of  this  choice. 

"At  this  time  he  was  wholly  destitute  of  funds,  and  the 
prospects,  with  regard  to  the  cause  in  which  he  was  labor- 
ing, exceedingly  dark ;  but  the  obstacles  before  him,  though 
they  weighed  heavily  on  his  heart,  only  served  more  fully 
to  awaken  and  concentrate  the  whole  energies  of  his  mind. 

"  L  P. 

*"  February  18,  1837.'' 

In  January,  1832,  he  was  married  to  Mrs.  Carpenter, 
widow  of  the  Rev.  Solomon  Carpenter,  of  New-Jersey, 
who  was  well  known  to  manj^  both  in  city  and  country, 
as  a  most  devoted  godly  man;  "selling  all  that  he  had," 
and  going  about  doing  good,  for  the  last  eight  years  of 
his  life. 

Mr.  M'Dowall  has  given  his  opinion  to  the  world  fully 
on  the  subject  of  marriage  ;  and  in  the  choice  he  made,  has 
given  07ie  proof  at  least  of  the  truth  and  benefit  of  his 
opinions  !  His  was  the  "  prudent  wife  from  the  Lord," 
whose  adorning  was  a  meek  and  quiet  spirit ;  who  looked 
well  to  the  ways  of  her  household,  and  ate  not  the  bread 
of  idleness.  She  was  older  than  he ;  and  though  the  world 
may  differ  in  opinion,  especially  the  unthinking  part^  yet 
in  this  he  showed  good  sense,  discriminating  judgment, 
and  purity  of  principle.  He  had  no  home — no  intimate 
friends.  He  had  settled  it  in  his  mind  that  he  must  give 
his  life,  or  the  best  part  of  it,  to  the  self-denying  employ- 
ment of  seeking  the  lost,  whom  no  others  would  seek. 
He  wanted  some  one  who  vt^ould  enter  into  his  views,  and 
be  both  a  counsellor  and  helper. 


184 


MEMOIR    OF    THE 


Mrs.  Carpenter  he  found  in  the  asylum,  and  saw  she 
was  competent  to  do  all  that  which  was  requisite  in  such 
a  peculiar  station.    He  said  to  her, 

"  1  have  asked  counsel  of  God,  and  I  must  have  a  com- 
panion who  cannot  only  advise,  but  who  will  be  willing 
that  I  should  take  the  friendless  into  my  house,  and  cheer- 
fully share  with  me  the  toils,  the  privations,  and  the  dis- 
grace of  such  a  life,"  adding-  emphatically,  ''most  likely 
bread  and  tvater  the  greater  part  of  life." 

Had  he  married  a  young  girl,  or  even  one  of  his  age, 
it  must  have  been  little  short  of  a  miracle  had  she  been 
adequate  to  a  task  like  this. 

He  married  her,  and  soon  had  abundant  evidence  that 
she  was  all  he  hoped.  They  retired  to  a  garret,  and  for 
months  allowed  themselves  but  one  dollar  a-v/eek  for  food. 
They  fasted  much — they  prayed  much.  Their  "bread  and 
water"  days  had  commenced,  and  though  "  sure,"  yet  not 
always  abundant.  The  few  friends  they  had,  knew  not 
where  they  w^ere,  and  gave  themselves  but  little  uneasiness 
about  them ;  for  the  world  had  long  since  thought  M'  Do  wall 
a  fool,  or  bordering  on  insanity.  And  now  that  he  had 
married,  and  married,  too,  a  woman  older  than  himself, 
his  best  friends  began  to  settle  it  in  their  minds  that  he 
must  be  denounced  as  a  downright  fanatic.  Pvlany  of  her 
sunshiny  friends  dropped  away,  and  have  never  found  it 
in  their  hearts  to  renew  their  kindness.  Such  were  their 
nuptial  days,  and  such  the  gratulations  of  friends  on  such 
an  occasion. 

January,  1832,  he  published  his  Magdalen  Tracts.  To 
those  he  looked  with  ardent  hopes  that  the  hearts  of  some 
might  be  touched,  and  some  way  cast  up  for  efficient  action. 
He  looked — he  prayed — he  fasted — and  prnyed  again — he 
hoped — he  trembled. 

Some  excitement  was  produced — some  who  were  blind 
began  to  see,  and  those  who  were  doubting  were  somewhatL 
confirmed. 


REV.    JOHN    R,    M  DOWALL.  185 

But  the  sale  was  not  rapid,  and  a  bill  of  about  six  hun- 
dred dollars  was  incurred.  He  had  no  means  of  payment 
but  the  sale  of  the  books.  In  this  dilemma  all  was  dark 
around  him.  He  complained  not,  but  committed  his  case 
to  God,  knowing  he  had  "cast  his  bread  upon  the  waters," 
and  the  promise  was,  after  many  days  he  should  find  it. 
He  waited  till  March  in  a  state  of  suffering  and  suspense, 
when  he  thus  writes: 

March  13/A,  1832. — I  am  sick  to-day  by  reason  of  the 
excessive  toils  I  underwent  yesterday.  1  have  long  since 
spent  my  last  dollar.  I  am  in  debt,  and  see  no  way  in 
which  I  can  extricate  myself. 

Mr.  Goodell  wrote  to  Messrs.  Kirk,  Delavan,  and  the 
Secretary  of  the  State  Temperance  Society  for  me,  inquir- 
ing if  any  thing  could  be  done  for  me.  Mr.  Mason  v/rote 
to  Philadelphia,  to  the  general  Agent  of  the  American 
Sunday  School  Union,  to  know  if  an  agency  was  at  his 
disposal  for  me.  But  I  do  not  feel  that  it  is  my  duty  to 
abandon  the  field  until  the  door  is  completely  closed 
against  me. 

Ministers  of  the  Gospel  have  not  viewed  the  case  in  its 
various  relations  to  the  inhabitants  and  visiters  of  this 
commercial  emporium.  Before  I  quit  the  field,  I  feel  that 
I  ought  to  lay  the  cause  before  them,  and  take  their  coun- 
sel. I  am  now  doing  this,  and  purpose  to  have  a  meeting 
of  some  of  them  next  week. 

I  received  the  following  note  this  morning : 

"The  Rev.  Mr.  M'Dowall  is  requested  to  call  on  Mrs. 
Lathrop,  at  59  Warren-street." 

I  called  on  Mrs.  Lathrop,  and  found  her  a  warm-hearted 
friend  to  the  cause  in  which  I  am  engaged.  She  wished 
to  know  if  I  would  consent  to  continue  in  the  field  of 
labor  in  which  I  am  engaged.  If  I  would,  she  would 
secure  to  me  the  means  of  subsistence.  I  did  not  give  a 
definite  answer,  because  my  case  is  now  pending  before 
the  ministers  of  my  church. 

16* 


186  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

I5th. — Received  from  the  Providence  Tract  Society  a 
request  to  act  as  their  Agent  for  two  months.  I  declined, 
of  course. 

I6th. — Much  encouraged  to-day.  The  Lord  is  good, 
and  gives  me  some  hopes  of  being  useful. 

[•/ftfi, — The  following  is  a  copy  of  a  letter  addressed  to 
about  twenty-one  Presbyterian  clergymen  of  this  city : 

"  Rev.  Sir, — I  have  been  advised  to  call  a  meeting  of 
ministers,  and  others,  to  take  the  following  questions  into 
consideration  : 

'*  1st.  Shall  any  new  measures  be  taken  to  check  the 
progress  of  vice,  and  to  reclaim  abandoned  females  in  New- 
York? 

"  2d.  Shall  I  prosecute,  or  abandon  the  cause  of  Moral 
Reform? 

"  The  meeting  is  to  be  held  in  the  American  Tract 
House,  on  Wednesday,  the  21st  inst.  at  the  hour  of  4  P.  M, 
Your  presence,  with  the  presence  of  such  elders  and  other 
members  of  your  church  as  you  may  invite,  is  respectfully 
requested.  Yours,  &c. 

"J.    R.    M' Do  WALL." 

2lst. — The  meeting  was  held.  Three  ministers.  Dr. 
Wobdbridge,  Dr.  Cox,  and  Mr.  Baldwin,  and  six  elders, 
and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Gould,  from  Southampton,  Mass.  attend- 
ed. The  Rev.  Mr.  Baldwin  urged  the  importance  of 
taking  hold  of  the  work  as  a  denomination.  He  stated 
several  cases  in  which  good  was  done  to  this  class  of  per- 
sons, and  considered  my  willingness  to  work  as  an  indi- 
cation from  God  that  they  should  undertake  it :  he  be- 
lieved it  would  promote  the  interests  of  piety  in  the  church. 
Dr.  Cox  was  called  away  before  it  closed.  He  said  he 
did  not  feel  convinced  that  I  ought  to  continue  in  the  work, 
but  was  willing  to  do  anything  to  advance  the  cause  upon 
right  principles.    Dr.  Woodbridge  thought  very  favorably 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  187 

of  the  idea  that  I  should  stay,  and  that  something  should 
be  done  to  save  these  sinners,  and  that  something  should 
be  decided  on. 

One  of  the  elders  thought  that  the  Presbyterian  church 
was  not  sufficiently  represented  to  act  on  it  as  a  denomi- 
nation. He  advised  that  another  meeting  be  held,  and  that 
all  the  Presbyterian  ministers,  elders,  and  deacons  be  in- 
vited to  attend. 

It  was  decided  that  the  subject  should  be  brought  before 
the  ministers  at  the  monthly  meeting,  on  the  evening  of 
Wednesday  next.     1  am  invited  to  attend. 

'2i th. — Saw  Mrs.  Lathrop.  She  assures  me  that  I  shall 
have  a  good  living  if  I  will  remain  in  the  work. 

25th. — Heard  two  sermons  to-day,  and  attended  the 
evening  prayer-meeting  at  the  Five  Points.  The  glory  of 
God — the  aim  of  the  christian  in  all  he  does,  and  says, 
and  thinks — was  the  subject  that  most  deeply  interested 
me.  May  God  grant  that  I  may  make  his  glory  the  ulti- 
mate aim  of  my  life. 

At  present  my  mind  is  unsettled,  and  I  am  unhappy,  not 
knowing  what  to  do — whether  to  stay  in  the  city  or  go 
from  it — to  prosecute  or  abandon  the  cause.  But  I  have 
committed  my  case  to  God.  I  believe  that  he  will  shortly 
show  me  what  is  best  for  me  to  do.  O  for  faith  and  con- 
Hdence  in  God  !  I  need  them  at  this  hour,  for  all  is  yet 
dark.  I  have  a  little  family, — a  wife  and  step-child,  and 
my  last  dollar  is  long  since  expended — and  I  am.  in  debt. 
But  for  religion,  I  should  give  up  all  for  lost. 

I  have  learned  to-day  that  the  ministry  have  appointed 
Friday,  4  P.  M.  to  consider  the  two  questions. 

27ih. — A  meeting  was  held.  Rev.  Mr.  Rice  was  ap- 
pointed chairman.  The  subject  of  the  meeting  was  stat- 
ed, and  I  was  called  on  to  make  some  statements,  which  I 
did.  A  committee  was  appointed  to  take  the  subject  into 
consideration,  and  report.  This  committee  w^as  vested 
with  power  to  call  a  general  meeting,  and  to  lay  the  sub- 


188  MEMOIR    or    TKE 

ject  before  the  Presbyterian  church,  if  they  should  deem 
that  a  proper  course  of  action.  'Dr.  Spring,  chairman,  Dr. 
Cox,  Dr.  Woodbridge,  Rev.  Mr.  Baldwin,  Rev.  Mr.  Lea- 
vitt,  Mr.  Wheelwright,  and  J.  Nitchie,  Esq.  The  meeting 
advised  me  to  remain  until  the  committee  met. 

29//i. — Committee  met.  Advised  me  to  be  the  mission- 
ary of  the  ladies  of  Dr.  Cox's  church  for  three  months. 
In  the  meantime  the  committee  would  try  to  digest  a 
plan  of  action,  and  report. 

April  1st. — In  great  perplexity,  and  know  not  what 
to  do,  or  how  to  act. 

\5ih. — My  time  passes  away,  and  but  little  is  done.  I 
know  not  how  to  act.  The  ladies  gave  me  $60.  Bless 
the  Lord  for  it,  O  my  soul,  for  his  mercies  are  renewed 
every  day. 

29th. — Very  uneasy.  Saw  Mr.  Baldwin  and  Dr. 
Spring.  No  decision.  Probably  will  report  favorably, 
and  make  an  effort  to  do  something,  provided  ten  men 
can  be  found  who  will  devote  themselves  to  this  busi- 
ness for  life. 

236^. — Three  ladies  called  to  inquire  into  my  condition, 
and  to  provide  for  me.  They  brought  us  food,  and  were 
kind.  The  Lord  is  good  and  gracious.  Blessed  be  his 
holy  name. 

This  was  the  memorable  morning  that  this  suffering 
saint  was  found  in  his  garret,  in  a  manner  which  could  be 
no  other  than  the  finger  of  God.  The  fact  is  related  in 
the  lady's  own  words : 

'"*  "  In  the  spring  of  1832  I  purchased  and  read  one  of 
M'Dowall's  Magdalen  Facts.  The  author  I  had  never 
seen.  Made  diligent  inquiry,  but  could  find  no  traces  of 
him ;  ardently  desiring  to  see  the  man  who  had  done  so 
much  for  the  degraded  ;  and,  in  behalf  of  the  virtuous, 
tender  him  my  thanks  for  kindness  so  disinterested. 

"  It  was  a  calm  morning  in  April.  I  had  passed  a  rest- 
less night,  for  the  image  of  the  suffering  M'Dowall  was 


REV.    JOHN    R.     m'dOWALL.  189 

flitting  before  my  imagination.  I  arose  at  five,  and  anx- 
iously inquired,  Lord,  what  wilt  thou  have  me  to  do  ?  I 
went  into  the  street,  walked  about  an  hour,  and  was  re- 
turning a  little  after  six.  All  was  still,  for  the  slumbering 
city  had  not  yet  begun  her  accustomed  bustle.  I  turned 
my  footsteps  to  the  dwelling  of  one  of  the  daughters  of 
Zion,  who,  I  had  been  told,  was  of  the  poor  of  this  world, 
but  rich  in  faith.  Standing  upon  the  steps  at  that  early 
hour,  I  paused,  and  asked  myself,  what  apology  can  be 
made  to  a  stranger  for  such  an  intrusion  without  any  de- 
finite object.  Could  not  easily  persuade  myself  to  go 
away.  I  knocked,  and  instantly  the  door  opened.  The 
good  woman  I  was  seeking  was  before  me,  who,  seizing 

me  joyfully  by  the  hand,  said — '  Is  not  this  Mrs. ? 

I  have  longed  to  see  you  since  yesterday.  I  have  passed 
a  bad  night  on  account  of  Mr.  M'Dowall.  Do  you  know 
him?' 

"  The  reader  may  judge  the  joy  of  our  interview, 
when  the  thoughts  of  both  hearts  were  revealed.  '  Yes- 
terday,' she  continued,  'a  gentleman  called  to  solicit  sub- 
scriptions to  the  Missionary  Herald,  and  inquired — "  Do 
you  know  Mr.  M'Dowall?  I  this  afternoon  called  at  a 
house  and  inquired  the  number  of  families,  and  was  told 
one  lived  in  the  garret.  Making  my  way  there,  I  en- 
tered a  lonely  apartment,  where  my  astonished  eyes  met 
the  man  w^th  whom  I  had  taken  sweet  counsel,  and 
walked  to  the  house  of  God  in  company.  His  care- 
worn and  dejected  countenance  told  me  his  heart  was 
stricken.  I  looked  about  the  room,  and  found  it  was  fitted 
Tip  for  parlor,  study,  kitchen,  and  bed-room.  I  asked  him, 
How  long  have  you  been  here?  He  said.  About  three 
months.  What  misfortune  brought  you  here?  Reluc- 
tantly he  gave  me  his  history,  and  said,  I  have  spent  my 
little  all  in  a  hopeless  eflx)rt  to  rescue  the  degraded,  and 
am  left  alone,  destitute,  with  no  man  to  help  me,  and 
have  retired  to  this  garret  to  wait  the    Lord's  will.     I 


190  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

learned  the}'  had  been  fasting^,  and  I  feared,  from  neces- 
sity as  well  as  from  choice.  Tell  not  our  story,  said 
M' Do  wall,  it  will  do  no  good.  I  left  them,  praying  that 
God  would  direct  me  to  some  kind  heart  which  would 
send  relief."  A  lady  sitting  by,  took  a  dollar  from  her 
purse,  saying — "  This  is  all  I  have — it  will  buy  them  a 
little  bread."  The  delighted  man  hastened  to  the  garret; 
drawing  near  the  door,  he  heard  the  sound  of  prayer : 
it  was  the  chastened  voice  of  her  whose  wounded  heart 
was  pleading  that  God  would  sustain  her  companion,  and 
keep  them  both  from  repining.  They  arose — I  handed 
him  the  dollar — he  dropped  on  his  knees  again,  and  with 
choked  utterance  thanked  his  heavenly  Father  for  this 
timely  relief." 

"When  I  had  heard  this  story,  the  import  of  my  rest- 
less night  and  strange  morning  call  were  fully  developed. 
I  had  asked — '  Lord,  what  wilt  thou  have  me  to  do  V  and 
this  was  the  answer — '  Make  an  immediate  effort,  and 
remove  him  from  that  garret.' 

"  The  effort  was  made — the  rich  were  solicited — but  0' 
the  struggle  to  reach  the  heart!  Some  had  heard  of  that 
strange  man — some  truly  pitied — and  a  few  bestowed  pro- 
vision enough  to  last  him  through  the  day.  A  lady  was 
prevailed  on  to  take  her  carriage  and  accompany  us  to 
the  abode  of  M'Dowall.  I  had  sold  a  few  of  his  Magda- 
len Facts,  and  thought  the  avails  of  them  would  be  a 
good  introduction  to  the  author,  as  well  as  afford  him  a  lit- 
tle relief.  The  ladies  made  their  entrance  to  the  garret, 
leaving  me  to  manage  the  horse,  with  the  injunction  to  send 
Mr.  M'Dowall  to  the  carriage.  I  hoped  by  this  to  get  an 
easy  access,  and  ascertain  his  true  wants.  I  gave  him  the 
money,  for  which  he  thanked  me,  saying  he  was  in  much 
anxiety  about  the  payment  of  the  books,  and  must  not  use 
the  money,  as  not  one  cent  of  it  was  his.  Disappointed,  I 
asked,  and  asked  earnestly,  Mr.  M'Dowall,  are  you  in 
need  of  money  to  buy  you  bread  ?     Never,  O  nn^er  shall 


REV.  JOHN  R.   m'dowall,  19!! 

I  forget  the  look,  and  the  attempt  at  evasion.  •Will  you 
walk  in  ?  I  will  take  care  of  your  horse,'  was  the  an- 
swer. Mr.  J\r Dowall,  do  you  need  money  to  buy  you 
bread  ?  was  repeated.  I  must  have  an  answer.  The  tear 
by  this  time  stood  trembling  in  his  eye,  and  he  succeeded 
in  saying  rather  incoherently,  '  A  gentleman  called  yes- 
terday and  gave  some  relief.' 

*'  Reader,  do  you  remember  the  dollar  the  delighted  friend 
carried  to  the  garret  yesterday?  This  was  the  relief — and 
this  was  the  uncomplaining  modesty — the  ingenuity  to 
conceal,  and  (if  you  will  allow  the  principle)  the  com- 
mendable wish  to  keep  from  a  stranger,  w^ants  so  distress- 
ing, so  humiliating. 

"  By  this  time  I  concluded  to  walk  in,  and  seating  myself 
in  the  hall,  earnestly  entreated  him  to  acquaint  me  with 
his  situation — that  we  had  come  with  good  intentions,  and 
could  not  be  put  off  without  knowing  whether  there  was 
not  something  we  could  do.  He  then  said  the  ladies  in 
Dr.  Cox's  Society  had  sent  him  $60,  and  he  was  now 
waiting  the  decision  of  the  ministers  w^ho  had  been  con- 
ferring on  the  subject. 

"And  what  of  this  $60;  do  you  make  use  of  it  for 
your  comfort  ?  Here  again  he  was  embarrassed,  but  the 
answer  was  made,  '  It  must  go  to  the  printer.' 

"Can  I  see  Mrs.  M'Dovvall?  I  followed  him  to  the 
garret — his  companion  was  in  tears  of  gratitude,  for  she 
had  seen  strange  things  yesterday  and  to-day — yesterday 
a  dollar,  and  followed  up  to-day  by  a  kw  shillings'  worth 
of  provisions  !  !  ! 

"  They  were  removed  in  a  few  days  from  the  garret,  and 
placed  in  the  house  of  the  woman  at  whose  door  I  called 
the  previous  morning." 

Mr.  M' Do  wall  writes,  April  27th,  The  Lord  opened  the 
hearts  of  several  ladies  to  assist  us.  They  offer  us  board 
for  a  month ;  and  Mrs.  T.  then  proposes  to  give  us  one 
room  or  more,  in  her  house. 


192  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

At  4  P.  M.  several  ladies  assembled  at  Mr.  Stevens', 
and  by  request  I  addressed  them.  They  listened  atten- 
tively for  above  an  hour,  and  we  then  parted. 

These  were  profitable,  interesting  meetings.  They 
awakened  such  feelings  of  pity  and  horror  as  were  wholly 
unknown  before.  The  modesty  of  the  narrator,  who 
seemed  to  feel  himself  so  strangely  situated,  in  a  group  of 
pious  females,  rehearsing  those  strange  things  which  had, 
like  a  volcano,  been  pent  within  his  own  breast,  together 
with  his  gratitude  that  he  could  be  heard,  made  these 
interviews  not  only  profitable  but  deeply  affecting.  He 
seemed  to  study  to  conceal  himself  as  much  as  possible,  as 
an  important  actor  in  these  awful  dramas,  and  to  guard  his 
language  against  any  thing  that  might  offend  the  ears  of 
the  most  chaste  and  refined. 

The  result  of  these  assemblies  was,  a  Ladies'  Moral  Re- 
form Society  in  Mr.  Ludlow's  church,  and  many  in  the 
city  taking  a  deep  interest. 

Sahbath. — O  that  I  had  some  definite  field  of  labor.  If 
I  enter  into  the  Sabbath-school  department,  that  is  cultivat- 
ed, though  not  perfectly,  and  so  of  other  fields  of  benevo- 
lence ;  cultivating  those  does  not  cultivate  Ihis  field.  But 
I  must  wait  patiently  on  the  Lord. 

Ordination. 

It  was  about  this  time,  the  latter  part  of  April,  the  third 
Presbytery  ordained  him  in  Spring-street  Church,  as  an 
evangelist,  to  labor  particularly  among  that  class  where 
he  had  been  laboring  as  a  missionary.  The  services 
were  appropriate  and  affecting.  Many  then,  when  that 
solemn  charge  was  given,  vowed  they  would  stand  by 
M'Dowall,  and,  though  all  men  should  forsake  him,  they 
would  follow  him  through  evil  as  well  as  through  good 
report.  He  was  then  in  extreme  poverty,  and  his  ordina- 
tion gave  little  or  no  prospect  of  a  better  condition.  He  had 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  193 

no  salary — no  people  of  his  charge  who  would  lend  him 
any  aid,  nor  any  prospect  of  building  up  a  church,  which 
could  eventually  erect  him  an  edifice,  and  flock  about 
him  to  give  him  their  prayers  and  support. 

"  Now,"  said  M' Do  wall,  as  he  left  the  sanctuary,  "  I  am 
ordained  an  evangelist  over  every  sink  of  pollution  in 
this  city.  There  my  energies  must  be  directed,  there  my 
hopes  must  centre."  What  a  prospect !  He  did  not,  how- 
ever, complain.  He  had  counted  the  cost,  and  knew  that 
his  pathway  could  not  be  strewed  with  roses.  The  ladies 
in  Laight-street  Church  had  pledged  themselves  to  do  some- 
thing for  his  support,  but  on  this  he  could  not  rely  as  any 
thing  of  a  competency.  He  had  learned,  too,  that  the  "poi- 
son of  asps"  might  be  under  the  tongue  of  him  vvhose 
"  words  were  smoother  than  butter."  But  little  did  he 
forebode  that  in  the  work-shop  of  the  maddening  elements 
so  many  mighty  thunderbolts  were  forging  for  his  hapless 
head.  Little  did  he  think  that  the  "tender  and  delicate 
woman"  could  have  her  "eye  evil"  towards  the  man 
who  was  giving  his  life  to  erect  an  impenetrable  barrier 
around  the  purity  of  her  sons  and  daughters. 

May  27th. — He  writes,  the  Lord  has  been  good  to  me 
— he  has  fed  me  and  given  me  friends.  Bless  the  Lord, 
O  my  soul ! 

He  now  entered  with  avidity  upon  his  work,  and, 

May  21th. — Says,  a  gentleman  sent  me  word  that  a 
girl  in  39|  Thomas-street  wished  to  escape  from  that 
house  and  reform  her  life,  and  wished  me  to  assist  her. 
She  was  rescued  and  went  to  M'Dowall's  house. 

In  June,  Mr,  Taylor's  house  being  vacated  where  Mr. 
M' Do  wall  was  keeping  apartments,  he  took  the  whole 
house,  and  received  such  girls  as  wished  to  reform. 


17 


194  MEMOIR    OF    THE 


CHAPTER    XXIL 


Letter— Cholera — Devising  ways  to  bring  his  cause  before  Jhe  pubfiC» 
Lectures — Discouragements — Efforts  made — Wm.  Goodell's  ap- 
peal— Supplies  sent  in. 

It  was  about  the  time  of  his  ordination  that  he  wrote  to 
several  ministers,  giving  the  reasons  for  his  entering  into 
such  a  self-denying  field,  and  a  summary  of  his  labors 
while  in  that  field. 

To  the  Rev.  Cyrus  Mason. 

Dear  Sir, — At  your  request  I  write  the  following 
letter.  It  will  perhaps  be  tedious  in  some  of  its  details. 
This  shall  be  avoided  as  much  as  possible : 

I  came  from  Princeton,  N.  J.  to  New- York,  in  Septem- 
ber, 1830,  by  the  advice  of  Mr.  Rice,  of  the  Pearl-street 
church,  to  spend  six  weeks  in  gratuitous  missionary  la- 
bors among  the  miserable  poor  of  this  city.  On  entering 
the  city,  I  called  on  the  Secretary  of  the  American  Tract 
Society,  and  being  invited  and  urged  by  him  to  aid  a  few 
Sabbath  school  teachers  in  getting  up  a  Sabbath  school  at 
the  Five  Points,  I  yielded  to  the  request,  and  entered  into 
that  then  notorious  den  of  thieves,  drunkards,  profligates, 
and  murderers,  wnhout  any  knowledge  of  its  true  state  of 
morals. 

Mr.  Cunningham  and  a  brother  of  mine  daily  went 
with  me.  Mr.  Wheelwright,  Mr.  A.  Smith,  Mr.  G.  Butler, 
Mr.  A.  Tappan,  Dr.  Reese,  and  others,  occasionally  ac- 
companied us. 

We  went  from  house  to  house,  distributing  Tracts,  read- 
ing from  the  sacred  Scriptures,  and  holding  meetings  for 
prayer  and  exhortation,  and  asking  parents  if  they  would 
come  to  the  Sabbath  school  and  bring  their  children. 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  1G5 

Some  ladies  also  visited  these  houses.  Our  labors  usu- 
ally commenced  at  nine  P.  M.  and  ended  at  twelve ;  at 
two  P.  M.  and  ended  at  five  P.  JVI. ;  and  at  seven,  and  end- 
ed at  10  P.  M. ;  making  about  nine  hours"  labor  per  day  for 
each  man.  The  results  of  our  labor  are  evident.  The 
Sabbath  school  was  established,  and  soon  after  sent  off  a 
prosperous  branch,  which  now  rivals  the  parent  school, 
Also  two  infant  schools  have  been  established,  and  a 
school  was  opened  at  the  Female  Penitentiary  at  Bellevue. 
Many  of  our  religious  meetings  were  very  solemn,  and  fol- 
lowed by  good  consequences.  The  number  of  vile  men 
resorting  there  rapidly  diminished,  and  several  abandoned 
females  expressed  a  desire  to  reform,  which  it  was  impos- 
sible for  them  to  do  under  existing  circumstances. 

They  had  no  home  but  a  precarious  one — that  which 
the  continued  commission  of  crime  procured.  They  had 
no  character,  and  could  procure  no  service.  They  had 
no  money  but  that  which  vice  and  theft  had  secured  to 
them  ;  and  when  they  reformed,  their  means  of  living  were 
gone.  They  were  discountenanced,  reviled,  and  shunned 
by  the  chaste.  Their  courage  was  gone,  and  they  had  no 
friend  whose  timely  interposition  could  rescue  them  from 
ruin.  The  more  we  labored  in  the  city,  the  more  did  cases 
of  this  description  multiply  around  us,  till  at  last  my  con- 
science would  not  allow  me  to  visit  those  houses  anymore, 
because  I  felt  I  was  saying,  "  be  ye  fed,  be  ye  warmed," 
while  I  was  giving  them  nothing  to  feed  or  to  warm  them. 
I  ceased  to  labor,  and  called  on  Mr.  Tappan  and  stated 
their  case  to  him.  He  informed  me  that  a  little  house 
had  been  hired  by  Mr.  Pierson  on  Bowery-hill,  for  the  re- 
ception of  those  persons  who  wished  to  do  well,  and  that  I 
ought  to  call  on  Mr.  P.  I  called  on  him,  and  found  that 
he  had  a  matron  and  two  girls,  and  was  willing  to  admit 
more  into  the  house. 

This  house  had  been  hired  the  January  preceding,  and 


196  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

was  under  the  charge  of  Mrs.  P.  wliose  death  nearly  ter- 
minated its  existence. 

Many  objections  against  this  house  and  its  internal  dis- 
cipline existed  in  the  minds  of  the  girls.  They  said  that 
some  wanted  them  to  be  immersed  ;  some  wanted  them  to 
be  Methodists ;  that  some  wanted  them  to  fast  half  of  the 
time,  &c.  These  objections  were  common  in  prison,  in 
the  hospital,  in  the  alms-house,  and  in  the  city.  However, 
I  persuaded  ten  women  to  go  there  before  the  six  weeks 
ended. 

Near  the  close  of  the  six  weeks  a  society  for  the  sup- 
pression of  vice  grew  out  of  the  efforts  at  the  Five  Points. 
I  was  appointed  its  agent,  with  a  fixed  salary  of  $500  per 
annum.  My  heart  was  averse  to  the  work,  and  I  unhe- 
sitatingly declined  the  agency.  Being  urged  to  accept  it, 
I  replied  that  I  would  submit  its  decision  to  the  professors 
at  Princeton,  and  abide  by  the  consequences.  They  unani- 
mously decided  it  was  my  duty  to  accept  it,  until  a  substi- 
tute for  me  could  be  procured.  I  returned,  and  entered  on 
my  field  of  labor  with  renewed  energy.  Mr.  Tappan  now 
came  forward  and  entered  into  the  work  with  all  his  heart. 
So  did  some  other  gentlemen.  More  females  now  sought 
admission  into  the  little  house  on  Bowery-hill  than  it  could 
admit.  A  second  house  was  hired,  and  a  probationary 
house  was  opened.  I  was  appointed  chaplain  to  the  Asy- 
lum. Difficulties  existed  in  the  religious  government  of 
the  concern ;  a  spirit  of  proselyting,  of  invv'ard  light,  of 
miracles,  &c.    These  Mr.  T.  suppressed. 

Mr.  T.  and  the  committee  wished  me  to  write  their  first 
annual  Report,  and  append  to  it  an  appeal  to  the  public 
for  funds  to  erect  a  house.  T  declined,  excusing  myself, 
on  the  ground  that  it  was  the  Secretary's  duty  to  write  the 
Report. 

Mr.  Tappan  left  the  committee.  I  went  to  Princeton ; 
met  the  Presbytery  at  Pound-Brook,  and  received  my 
license  to  preach.    When  I  received  my  license  I  returned 


EEV.     JOHN    R.     M  DOWALL.  197 

to  the  city.  Dr.  Alexander  advised  me  not  to  have  any- 
thing more  to  do  with  the  Society.  Dr.  Miller  advised  me 
to  examine  the  matter  after  1  returned,  and  to  unite  with 
the  Society  if  discreet  men  were  at  its  head.  When  I  called 
on  Mr.  Tappan  I  understood  that  Dr.  Reese  had  under- 
taken to  write  the  Report  and  to  address  the  public.  I 
hesitated  to  have  any  thing-  more  to  do  with  the  Society, 
but  was  prevailed  on  to  unite  with  it,  fearing,  if  I  did  not, 
iny  character  would  suffer,  and  the  cause  be  finally  aban- 
doned. 

There  was  a  little  hope,  too,  that  the  Society  would  rise 
to  what  it  ought  to  be;  and  some  said  to  me  you  can  mould 
h  into  a  good  one.  But  I  was  not  its  sole  counsellor,  nor 
did  the  Society  go  upon  any  principles.  Different  deno- 
minations were  united  in  the  eflbrt,  but  there  were  no 
principles  of  union  agreed  on — each  managed  as  he 
thought  best  for  the  month  he  presided ;  hence  the  old 
sectarian  spirit  returned, 

I  left  the  Asylum  in  September,  1831,  and  went  to  writ- 
ing, visiting  the  prisons  and  hospitals,  preaching  to  the 
poor  wanderers,  and  also  attended  medical  lectures  at  the 
Barclay-street  Medical  College,  to  qualify  myself  to  do 
more  good  to  the  wretched  and  abandoned  members  of 
society. 

My  heart  is  tied  to  this  cause ;  I  am  willing  to  labor  in 
it  in  that  way  in  which  good  can  be  done ;  but  I  am  now- 
reduced  to  a  strait :  my  last  dollar  is  expended,  and  I  am 
in  debt;  had  I  accepted  the  proffered  salary,  I  should  be 
out  of  debt.     I  could  not,  for  the  following  reasons  : 

1st.  I  had  at  the  beginning  a  strong  aversion  to  the 
work,  and  did  not  design  to  continue  in  it ;  and  on  that 
account  I  thought  that  the  Society  would  release  me  from 
it  the  sooner,  by  not  accepting  a  salary.  They  knew  that 
I  was  poor,  and  unable  to  live  without  aid. 

2d.  Mr.  Tappan  paid  most  of  the  expenses  of  the  So- 
ciety, and  1  felt  that  was  too  much  for  any  one  man  to  do ; 
17* 


198  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

I  did  not  feel  it  my  duty  to  be  constantly  chargeable  is 
him :  and  with  all  these  difficulties  I  thought  best  to  retire 
from  that  part  of  the  field.     These  are  my  reasons,  and 
this  is  my  situation,  before  the  community. 
Yours,  in  christian  fellowship, 

J.  R.    M' Dow  ALL. 

New-  York,  1832. 

It  will  be  remembered  that  the  year  of  1832  was  the 
year  of  awful  visitation  from  the  Almighty,  when  that 
dreadful  scourge,  the  cholera,  made  the  inhabitants  tremble. 
What  did  M'Dowall  do  ?  When  men,  women,  and  chil- 
dren were  fleeing  from  the  city  as  from  a  sinking  ship, 
he  was  going  from  house  to  house  with  the  word  of  life 
in  his  hand,  fearless  of  the  scourge,  and  warning  all  to 
escape  from  the  wrath  awaiting  them.  "  God  has  come 
out  of  his  place  (was  his  language)  to  punish  the  earth 
for  its  iniquity,"  and  the  intemperate  and  licentious  are 
the  marks  for  his  arrows. 

Are  you  ready  ?  Before  to-morrow  morning  you  may 
be  in  Potter's  Field.  Some  were  filled  with  awful  dis- 
may, and  some  scoffed,  but  few,  if  any,  turned  from  the 
evil  of  their  ways. 

Walking  one  day  down  Broadway,  he  met  a  wicked 
woman,  whom  he  had  often  warned,  and  said — 

•'  Now,  Clara,  prepare  for  death  !  You  see  your  com- 
panions are  fast  falling,  and  what  will  you  do  when  you 
are  attacked  ?" 

"  O,"  said  she,  laughingly,  ''  I  must  have  more  sport — I 
cannot  think  of  death  now." 

She  then  lived  in  an  infamous  house  in  Laurens-street, 
occupied  by  a  larger  company  of  these  wretched  females 
than  is  common,  and  she  was  a  leading  belle  in  wicked- 
ness. In  a  few  days  she  was  a  corpse,  and  eleven  more 
from  the  same  house  were  swept  away. 

With  such  scenes  as  these  M'Dowall  was  familiar.    He 


RET.    JOHN    R.    M  DOWALL.  199 

warned,  he  rebuked,  he  read  the  Bible,  he  distributed  the 
Tract  "  Virtue  and  Vice,^  until  he  dared  not  frequent  the 
Five  Points.  He  was  assailed  in  the  streets  by  wretched 
girls  begging  him  to  take  them  to  his  house.  Distracted  and 
terrified,  they  knew  not  what  to  do,  and  he  could  not  re- 
ceive any  more,  having  no  adequate  means  of  support.  He 
lived  sparingly,  and  often  very  scantily. 

A  physician  who  often  called  on  his  family  to  see  the 
girls  who  resided  in  it  and  were  si'.:k,  saw  the  exertions  he 
was  making,  and  said — 

"  You  must  desist;  no  man  can  endure  such  fatigues 
without  endangering  health,  if  not  losing  life." 

His  brother  from  New- Jersey  visited  the  city,  and  pre- 
vailed on  him  to  return  with  him  to  spend  five  weeks.  His 
companion  cheerfully  assented,  telling  him  to  throw  off  all 
care,  and  she  would  manage  the  girls  as  well  as  she 
could.  He  went,  and  in  five  days  returned  and  resumed 
his  labors  with  the  same  intensity  as  before.  M'Dowall 
could  not  be  still ;  he  seemed  to  be  moved  as  by  an  invi- 
sible, irresistible  impetus,  that  could  not,  that  would  not 
be  checked,  to  do  the  work  of  the  day  in  the  day,  and  do 
it  with  all  his  might. 

It  has  been  mentioned  that  he  attended  a  course  of  medi- 
cal lectures  the  fall  previous,  and  during  the  cholera  he 
was  satisfied  his  time  had  not  been  lost.  He  ascertained 
that  the  licentious  in  the  city,  in  most  cases,  were  sure  to 
fall  victims  when  attacked,  and  more  liable  to  be  attacked 
than  any  other  class — that  this  appalling  scourge  was  not 
so  much  aside  from  the  established  lawsof  nature  as  many 
supposed — that  the  "  curse  causeless  did  not  come,"  for  he 
found,  by  the  closest  investigation  of  which  he  was  capable, 
that  the  lewd  and  intemperate  were  predisposed  to  the  con- 
tagion ;  and  looking  upon  it  as  he  did,  he  always  asserted 
that  the  cholera  was  the  greatest  blessing  to  the  city.  He 
visited  many,  very  many  houses  which  had  been  filled 
with  lewd  men  and  women,  which  were  made  almost,  and 


20D  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

some  entirely  desolate.  Yet,  to  his  sorrow,  he  found  in 
a  few  months  these  houses  were  again  peopled  with  new 
inhabitants,  in  the  same  wicked  pursuits. 

His  next  inquiry  was,  how  should  he  more  efficiently 
bring  this  subject  before  the  public.  He  had  devised  many 
ways,  but  yet  the  work  was  scarcely  begun.  His  Magda- 
len Facts  had  excited  some  interest,  but  the  summer,  with 
its  painful  scenes,  had  nearly  effaced  the  whole. 

"  I  have,"  he  says,  "  many  a  time  spent  whole  nights 
walking  these  streets  without  closing  my  eyes,  in  order  to 
ascertain  the  true  state  of  society,  and  to  do  good.  I  have 
visited  almost  every  place  of  corruption  in  New- York, 
that  I  might  ascertain  what  were  the  causes  operating  to 
the  destruction  of  public  morals. 

'•  My  information  is  derived  from  personal  observation, 
from  the  confessions  of  individuals,  from  the  information 
my  friends  have  given,  from  public  records,  and  the  muni- 
cipal institutions.  Availing  myself  of  these  advantages,  I 
have  spared  no  pains  in  my  investigations.  I  have  pushed 
my  inquiries  into  other  cities  and  countries. 

"At  different  times,  through  newspapers,  I  have  laid 
before  the  public  facts  exhibiting  the  evils  under  which 
we  groan. 

"  I  wrote  one  Tract,  and  a  gentleman  printed  and  gra- 
tuitously distributed  thousands  of  copies  among  the  aban- 
doned. ^ 

"  I  have  often  prayed  to  the  Lord  to  send  some  person  to 
occupy  my  place,  and  to  let  me  be  excused  from  laboring 
in  this  particular  cause  of  moral  reformation  ;  but  he  has 
sent  no  one,  and  I  dare  not  abandon  the  field  yet.  The 
knowledge  I  have  acquired,  and  the  interest  I  feel  in  the 
success  of  this  enterprise,  bind  my  heart  to  the  good  work ; 
and  I  desire  to  have  my  motives  pure,  that  He,  before 
whose  bar  I  must  shortly  appear,  may  approve  of  my  at- 
tempts to  advance  his  glory." 

He  next  thought  of  delivering  a  course  of  lectures.   Ac- 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  201 

cordingly  he  commenced  and  delivered  two  lectures  in  the 
Hall  of  Science.  His  journal  adds,  "  I  had  no  encourage- 
ment that  I  could  lecture  again,  that  place  having  been 
given  for  those  two  nights  only. 

''November  ith. — The  trustees  sent  me  word  that  they 
would  light  and  heat  the  room,  free  from  expense,  every 
Thursday  evening.  Gave  notice  in  the  papers,  and  paid 
four  dollars. 

"  November  1th. — Lectured  in  the  Hall  of  Science,  and 
had  about  ten  or  fifteen  present.  Collected  three  dollars 
fifty  cents. 

'' November  \Uh. — Rained;  only  ten   persons  present. 

"  November  27th. — Lectured  in  Chatham-street  Chapel. 
About  one  hundred  persons  present.  Collection  six  dollars 
twenty-five  cents.     Expense  for  the  house,  ten  dollars." 

At  this  the  heart  of  M' Do  wall  seemed  utterly  to  give 
way,  and  he'said, 

••  I  have  done.     The  last  eflfort  is  made." 

His  companion  endeavored  to  encourage  him,  by  saying, 

"  O  no.  Do  not  give  up.  Go  on,  and  the  Lord  will 
raise  up  helpers." 

They  reached  home,  and  he  went  to  the  place  where 
his  afflicted  soul  always  sought  relief — to  the  throne  of 
grace.  "  There,^^  said  his  companion,  "  he  prayed  and 
prayed,  and  it  was  the  prayer  of  faith."  '*  I  cannot,"  he  in- 
sisted, "stay  in  this  city,  knowing  what  I  know  of  its 
evils,  and  see  nothing  done  to  remedy  them." 

He  struggled  through  the  night  in  a  dreadful  conflict  of 
feeling,  praying  that  God  would  send  deliverance,  or  send 
him  from  the  city. 

Wm.  Goodell,  who  was  present  at  that  meeting,  had  his 
soul  stirred  within  him.  He  heard  the  appeal ;  he  saw 
something  of  the  struggling  of  the  speaker's  soul ;  he  saw 
the  sparing  contribution  ;  he  heard  the  disheartened  man 
say,  ''I have  done  ;",^and  he  heard,  too,  his  ever-encouraging 


202  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

companion  my,  "  Go  on  ;  the  Lord  will  yet  raise  us  up 
helpers." 

What  did  he  do  ?  Did  he  sit  down  folding  his  hands, 
and  giving  to  conscience  this  ready  quietus :  "-MDowall 
is  not  the  many  No.  He  had  previously  written  a  thrill- 
ing appeal  to  "every  log-house  beyond  the  mountains,"* 
to  come  over  and  help  us,  to  send  or  sustain  at  least  for  us 
one  missionary  who  has  courage  to  expose  the  moral  ma- 
ladies, for  the  cure  of  which  the  pestilence  has  been  sent 
us  in  vain.  Nay,  if  this  favor  be  beyond  our  deserving, 
send  us  bread  for  the  christian  philanthropist ;  send  him 
the  means  of  hiring  for  a  few  weeks  some  humble  upper 
chamber,  where  his  lectures  may  be  offered  to  a  wicked 
and  adulterous  generation  of"  whited  sepulchres,"  whether 
they  will  hear,  or  whether  they  will  forbear."  "  He  now 
made  a  second  appeal,  and  entreated  the  Christian  females 
of  the  United  States  to  send  relief  He  told  them  the  story 
of  the  Chatham-street  lecture,  and  begged  them  to  look  on 
their  "  gold  and  costly  array,"  to  look  at  the  judgment,  and 
say,  "shall  he  live,  or  shall  he  starve?" 

A  few  weeks  previous  to  this  Mr.  M'Dowall  had  sent 
out  his  letter  to  pious  and  benevolent  ladies  throughout 
the  United  States,  and  Europe.  And  were  all  these  ap- 
peals in  vain?  No — the  "ceiled  houses"  as  well  as  the 
"  log-cabins"  heard,  and  echoed,  and  re-echoed  the  wail, 
over  every  green  mountain  and  valley  of  the  American 
land. 

The  20th  of  December  he  lectured  at  Princeton,  and 
immediately  a  donation  of  about  eighty  dollars  was  sent. 
His  companion  was  then  confined  to  her  bed  by  a  broken 
limb,  and  they  v/ere  in  real  want.  He  went  to  her  with 
the  money  in  his  hand,  saying.  See  what  the  Lord  has 
done!  And  though,  like  David,  I  have  longed  for  this  wa- 
ter, I  must  not  drink  it.    This  shall  be  "  poured  out  to 

*  Published   in  the  Female  Advocate  and  Genius  of  Temperance. 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  203 

the  Lord,"  this  shall  be  the  beginning  of  the  Journal  I 

have  so  ardently  desired  to  publish. 

*  #  #  *  -^  # 

The  christian  females  in  the  United  States  were  aroused 
to  action — yes,  well  do  you  remember,  when  you  collected 
your  praying  band,  when  the  "  rich  and  the  poor  met 
together,"  and  you  opened  the  sacred  volume,  and  read 
these  sweet  words,  which  you  shall  hear  at  the  •'  resur- 
rection of  the  just" — "  I  was  hungry,  and  ye  fed  me;  naked, 
and  ye  clothed  me" — when  you  knelt  together  around  the 
cross,  and,  in  the  bitterness  of  your  soul,  "told  Jesus," 
that  one  of  his  faithful  disciples  was  pining  for  bread — it 
was  then  you  prepared  the  "  spices  and  the  ointment." 
You  conferred  together ;  the  matrons  curtailed  their  costly 
attire,  the  maidens  laid  aside  their  "  tinkling  ornaments." 
You  applied  your  fingers  to  the  needle ;  the  widow  "  cast 
in  her  mite,"  and  the  woman  "  forsaken  of  her  husband," 
protracted  her  nightly  embers,  that  she  too  might  share 
in  the  blessedness  of  giving. 

You  took  your  little  ones  upon  your  lap,  and  told  in 
their  wondering  ears,  that  a  good  man  in  New-York  could 
not  get  bread  among  all  their  fine  houses,  and  that  in  none 
of  their  pretty  churches  would  a  minister  let  him  go  in 
his  pulpit,  and  tell  his  people  how  wicked  many  of  the 
men,  women,  and  children  were ;  how  many  were  sorry 
they  had  been  so  wicked,  but  could  not  get  away  from 
their  dreadful  places,  because  nobody  would  take  them  in  ; 
and  while  the  little  listeners  wondered  that  any  could  be 
so  cruel,  you  asked,  what  will  you  do,  that  he  may  have 
something  to  eat. 

Mothers,  well  do  you  remember  how  you  folded  them 
to  your  yearning  hearts,  when  you  saw  the  first  dawning 
of  benevolence  sparkling  in  their  young  eyes,  and  with 
childlike  simplicity  they  said,  We  will  have  no  sugar,  we 
will  eat  no  butter  nor  cake,  and  you  may  send  the  money 
to  the  poor  good  man. 


204  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

It  was  then  the  "fathers  kindled  the  fire,  the  children 
gathered  the  wood,  and  the  mothers  made  the  cakes,"  and 
M' Do  wall  was  fed. 

The  institutions,  too,  began  to  send  supplies,  and  a  gleam 
of  hope  irradiated  the  benighted  soul  of  this  suffering  man, 
and  he  said,  I  shall  live  to  '•  see  the  salvation  of  God." 


CHAPTER   XXIII. 


Commences  his  Journal — Benevolent  Society — Encouragements  and 
difficulties — Moral  Reform  meeting — Malice  and  threats — All  at 
stake— New  troubles — Strange  things— A  nameless  fact— Sickness 
of  Mrs,  M'Dowall— Luxury  and  style. 

He  now  had  abundant  evidence  that  as  every  other  ave- 
nue was  closed  against  him,  he  should  be  heard  through 
the  press.  He  had  sent  out  his  card  explaining  his  object, 
soon  after  his  letter  to  the  ladies ;  and  in  January,  1833,  he 
issued  his  first  number,  "  without  a  subscriber  or  a  single 
pledge  to  sustain  him." 

This  was  an  adventurous  flight,  and  it  took  a  M'Dowall 
to  hazard  it.  He  knew  his  Magdalen  Facts  had  raised  a 
whirlwind  in  the  breasts  of  many,  which  had  not  yet  sub- 
sided ;  he  knew  his  funds  were  uncertain,  and  he  knew  the 
cause  was  exceedingly  unpopular.  A  poor  woman  in 
New-York  had  found  M'DowalFs  Magdalen  Facts,  and 
sold  a  number.  This  had  awakened  in  her  heart  feelings 
of  the  deepest  pity  for  the  lost  of  her  sex,  and  the  warmest 
gratitude  towards  the  man  w^ho  had  suffered  so  much  for 
their  rescue.  She  went  to  M'Dowall,  and  proffered  her 
services,  as  agent  for  the  Journal,  to  do  •'  what  she  could." 
He  offered  two  shillings  on  a  copy.  She  accepted  but 
half  the  sum,  and  before  the  next  May  obtained  between 
four  and  five  hundred  subscribers  in  the  city. 


REV.    JOHN    R.    M  DOWALL,  205 

Dec.  27ih,  1832. — The  Female  Benevolent  Society  was 
formed.  This  indicated  good,  for  some  of  ihe  "  rich  and 
noble  "  were  there. 

Its  walls  were  of  hewn  stone,  each  fitted  to  its  place  be- 
fore it  was  brought  from  the  mountains,  so  that  the  discor- 
dant sound  of  a  differing  sect  should  not  be  heard  upon  it. 
It  was  ''purely  Presbyterian  ;^^  for  one  of  their  vigilant 
sentinels,  who  was  to  stand  upon  their  watch-tower,  had 
whispered  in  their  ears,  Let  no  other  sect  hold  any 
power;  receive  their  donations,  but  allow  them  no  office. 

Ah  !  little  did  M'Dowall  divine  that  in  the  vault  of  that 
temple  was  coiled  an  adder  that  should  sting  him  to  death! 

He  hailed  it  as  the  harbinger  of  great  good,  though  with 
its  sectarianism  he  could  not  coincide.  The  world,  he 
avowed,  was  his  field,  and  he  had  shared  in  the  sympathies 
of  Baptists,  Quakers,  and  Methodists,  and  to  all  he  owed 
his  labors  and  his  gratitude. 

Encouragements  and  Difficulties. 

Donations  now  came  in,  so  that  he  was  enabled  to  per- 
severe with  strong  hopes  of  success.  He  missionated  in 
the  city  as  usual,  pushing  his  investigations  to  bring  things 
*'  new  and  old  "  for  the  Journal ;  and  though  donations  were 
multiplying,  he  still  maintained  the  strictest  economy  in 
family  expenses.  His  Journal  states :  "  A  gentleman  had 
advanced  rent  for  the  house  in  which  I  resided.  To  en- 
courage the  Benevolent  Society,  who  had  agreed  to  refund 
him  the  rent,  and  to  assume  his  responsibility  for  the  rent  of 
said  house  the  remainder  of  the  year,  I  handed  to  them, 
on  the  8th  day  of  January,  1833,  $134  38."  Some  inti- 
mations were  given  that  he  lavished  too  much  of  the  pub- 
lic money  in  distributing  his  Journals  gratuitously,  and 
that  the  daughter  of  Mrs.  M'Dowall  was  not  entitled 
to  a  home  in  the  family.  He  therefore  thought  best  to 
18 


206  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

live  in  "  his  own  hired  house,"  to  which  he  removed  in 
April. 

He  had  been  a  friend  to  the  Benevolent  Society,  and 
done  what  he  could  to  promote  its  interests,  though  he  had 
never  been  a  "  hired  or  accountable  agent,"  but  had  acted 
as  a  missionary  without  any  salary,  and  under  no  legal 
obligation.  They  in  return  had  loaned  him  articles  of 
furniture,  provided  some  of  the  provisions  of  his  table, 
though  not  a  competency  for  the  females  they  had  placed 
in  his  family.  He  considered  his  operations  distinct  from 
theirs,  as  his  Avas  to  publish  a  Journal,  and  theirs  to  build 
an  Asylum. 

He  advertised  the  public  again  and  again  to  specify  par- 
ticularly what  use  to  be  made  of  their  donations:  what 
for  the  Journal — what  for  his  support — what  for  an  asylum 
— and  what  for  an  agency. 

In  May  a  meeting  of  moral  reform  was  held,  at  which 
John  Wheelwright  was  chairman,  and  Rev.  T.  T,  Water- 
man, of  Providence,  secretary.  The  following  resolution 
was  passed : 

"  Resolved,  that  we  have  implicit  confidence  in  the  Rev, 
J.  R.  M'Dowall,  as  the  recipient  of  donations  in  behalf  of 
the  cause  in  which  he  is  engaged,  and  also  his  past  dis- 
bursements  of  the  same." 

A  large  meeting  of  ministers  and  other  friends  of  moral 
reform  was  held  in  Chatham-street  Chapel,  and  a  deep 
interest  manifested,  encouraging  Mr.  M'Dovi-all  to  go  on, 
and  he  should  be  sustained.  A  motion  was  made  to  ap- 
point an  assistant  agent,  and  $596  subscribed  for  the  sup- 
port of  the  same. 

It  then  seemed  that  the  clouds  were  clearing  from  the 
sky  of  M'Dowall,  and  a  ray  of  hope  beamed  in  his 
countenance.  Not  so.  When  the  tornado  held  its  breath, 
it  was  to  gather  fresh  strength  to  hurl  a  more  terrible 
blast. 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  207 


Malice  and  threats. 


He  had,  in  his  previous  researches,  come  in  contact  with 
gentlemen  in  high  standing,  in  houses  of  infamy,  who  had 
sworn  revenge  should  he  ever  expose  their  character. 
These  feared  and  trembled  lest  some  random  type-setter 
should  spell  their  names,  and  they  be  consigned  to  lasting 
infamy.  They  rallied  strong  forces  and  went  to  the  office 
of  M' Do  wall  with  bold  threats  to  take  his  life,  if  he  pub- 
lished names. 

**  The  Journal  elicits  the  ire  of  many.  Letters  sent  to 
this  office  breathe  threats  and  manifest  malice.  Organized 
hate  seems  to  be  concentrating  her  force  in  different  quar- 
ters. The  black  clouds  rushing  on  must  burst,  or  drive 
by.     They  are  furious.     Mercy  melts  not  their  rage. 

"  I  know  the  names  of  some  who  utter  dire  imprecations 
on  my  head.  They  are  not  considered  vagabonds,  but 
men  of  high  character  in  the  world." 

"  All  at  stake." 

"  The  man  who  enters  the  field  in  vi^hich  I  labor,  and 
acts  upon  the  principles  that  govern  my  course,  must  haz- 
ard the  loss  of  friends,  property,  liberty,  life — yea,  all 
things. 

"  Shall  I  advance  or  retreat  ?  '  He  who  putteth  his 
hand  to  the  plough  and  looketh  back,  is  not  fit  for  tho 
kingdom  of  heaven.'  If  I  advance,  other  foes  will  assail 
me.  I  shall  have  no  peace  on  earth.  Life — liberty — pro- 
perty— character — all  are  at  stake.  But  the  Lord  grant 
that  I  may  follow  him  in  the  path  of  righteousness :  and 
not  in  malice,  but  in  love,  expose  men's  sins,  though  I  die 
in  the  act,  or  be  immured  in  prison  through  life." 


208  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

New  troubles. 

But  this  was  not  all.  The  little  leaven  which  the  wo- 
man had  hid,  was  now  leavening  the  whole  lump.  They 
had  done  a  little  for  the  support  of  the  ftimily,  and  the  out- 
post guards  of  their  society  had  given  the  timely  alarm 
that  M'Dowall  was  receiving  too  much  money — that  they 
must  have  an  asylum,  and  his  money  must  be  turned  into 
that  channel.  Besides,  he  is  not  competent  to  the  manage- 
ment of  so  much  money,  and  the  public  must  be  apprised 
of  it.  This  was  accordingly  done.  The  public  were  ap- 
prised that  M'Dowall  was  not  a  suitable  man  to  be  at  the 
head  of  such  an  enterprise — that  though  his  object  might 
be  ffood,  his  iofnorance  of  business  was  such  it  could  not 
be  safe  to  entrust  him  with  the  care  of  money. 

The  complicated  difficulties  which  then  followed  have 
no  parallel  but  in  Jesuitism.  Time  to  rehearse  the  story 
would  require  the  sun  to  stand  still  upon  Gibeon,  and  the 
moon  in  the  valley  of  Ajalon. 

As  the  committee  required,  he  handed  over  donations  to 
them,  till  he  found  it  necessary  to  break  off  all  connectior^ 
with  the  Society — to  leave  his  own  house,  and  resign  the- 
girls  into  their  keeping,  together  with  the  articles  which 
the  Society  had  lent  for  their  use. 

The  abuse  of  the  mob  about  his  office,  with  the  agitation 
of  his  mind  on  account  of  dissolving  all  union,  and  going 
he  knew  not  where,  brought  on  a  fever.  He  passed  rest- 
less days  and  nights,  revolving  in  himself  the  dark  scenes 
of  adversity  he  had  passed  through,  and  what  might  be 
still  in  reserve  for  him. 

He  gained  a  little  strength,  and  gave  up  the  house  to 
the  Society;  the  years  rent  he  had  paid  in  advance,  which 
he  also  gave  them. 

The  first  Directress,  the  June  previous,  demanded  all 
the  moneys  which  had  been  sent  him,  even  those  which 
had  been  expended  in  the  cause  before  the  Society  was 


REV.    JOHN    R.    M  DOWALL.  209 

formed.  He  refused  to  comply  with  this  unreasonable 
demand,  but  during  his  sickness  the  committee  had  looked 
over  his  accounts,  and  adjusted  them  in  a  manner  pleas- 
ing in  their  own  eyes. 

He  left  the  house,  quite  overcome  with  bodily  weakness 
and  mental  anguish.  It  is  "the  little  foxes  that  spoil  the 
vines."  The  multiplied  obstructions  that  were  daily  hedg- 
ing up  the  pathway  of  M'Dowall  vexed  his  soul  from  day 
to  day.  Whoever  understands  any  thing  of  the  organiza- 
tion of  mind,  knows  that  a  great  one  will  contend  with 
giant  difficulties  with  long  and  unshaken  firmness,  when 
the  stinging  of  a  gnat  or  the  tedious  buzzing  of  a  fly 
would  set  every  nerve  ajar. 

Strange  Things. 

Mr.  M'Dowall,  with  his  companion,  went  into  the  coun- 
try and  passed  a  few  weeks,  which  greatly  invigorated 
him  in  body  and  mind.  When  he  returned  to  the  city  he 
was  able  to  look  over  his  accounts,  and  ascertain  what 
arrangements  had  been  made  in  his  illness,  and,  to  his 
surprise,  saw  in  the  New- York  Observer,  that  they  had 
given  him  a  salary  of  $600,  and  Mrs.  M'Dowall  $125; 
his  for  his  agency,  and  hers  for  serving  as  a  matron.  This 
was  the  first  time  the  salary  had  been  mentioned,  and  as 
they  never  had  worked  for  hire,  so  they  wished  not  the 
thing  to  be  named  before  the  public.  He  never  had  been 
an  agent,  nor  she  a  matron ! 

His  brother  was  the  assistant,  but  he  never  received 
on€  cent  for  his  labors. 

A  nameless  Fact. 

In  the  season  of  the  cholera,  Mr.  Wright,  the  colored 
Presbyterian  clergyman,  had  left  the  city,  was  taken  sick, 
and  Mr.  M'Dowall  supplied  his  pulpit.  He  was  indefati- 
gable IE  his  labors,  and  entered  with  his  whole  soul  into 

18* 


210  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

the  interests  of  that  injured  people.  He  visited  from  house 
to  house ;  he  prayed  with  the  sick ;  and  by  his  kindness 
and  condescension  to  all,  they  became  greatly  attached  to 
him.  His  services  were  gratuitous,  but  theij  were  not 
satisfied  without  giving  him  some  expression  of  gratitude. 

They  invited  him  to  attend  their  evening  services ;  but 
the  season  had  become  cold,  and  he  had  no  outer  garment ; 
and  he  frankly  told  them  his  health  was  poor,  and  it  was 
not  prudent  he  should  expose  himself  at  night. 

They  no  sooner  heard  this  than  they  called  a  meeting, 
and  devised  a  plan  to  supply  him.  A  suitable  cloak  was 
provided,  and  presented  in  behalf  of  the  congregation,  in  the 
most  affectionate  manner.  An  old  grey-headed  elder,  who 
is  now,  no  doubt,  walking  the  streets  of  the  New  Jerusalem 
with  the  subject  of  this  memoir,  took  the  cloak  on  his  arm, 
and  as  Mr.  M'Dowall  descended  from  the  pulpit,  presented 
it  to  him,  saying, 

"  Here,  my  brother,  accept  this,  as  a  small  token  of  our 
gratitude ;  we  are  poor,  and  can  do  but  little ;  you  came  to 
us  when  we  were  sitting  by  the  cold  streams  of  Babylon, 
when  our  harps  were  on  the  willows ;  you  spake  com- 
forting words  to  us,  and  you  revived  our  hopes." 

The  manner  of  the  aged  pilgrim,  his  white  locks,  con- 
trasted with  his  sable  skin,  the  tears  making  their  way 
along  his  furrowed  cheeks,  all  together  made  such  an  im- 
pression on  the  tender  heart  of  the  recipient,  that  he  va- 
lued that  gift  above  all  others,  for  he  loved  the  blessing  of 
the  poor. 

He  had  been  in  the  habit  of  placing  upon  his  books  all 
donations  of  every  kind,  and  their  value.  This  was  put 
upon  his  book  and  valued  at  twenty-five  dollars,  and  when 
the  inspectors  of  his  accounts  had  access  to  his  books,  their 
eager  eyes  caught  this,  and  one  of  them  said,  "  This  is 
ours." 

When  told  by  whom,  and  for  what  purpose  it  was  given, 
the  individual  who  made  the  remark  very  quickly  replied, 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  211 

"  If  I  hire  a  man  to  work  in  my  garden  and  he  occa- 
sionally takes  a  few  hours  to  work  for  a  neighbor,  his 
v/ages  are  mine  ;  consequently  all  Mr.  M'Dowall  has  pre- 
sented him  for  services  must  belong  to  the  Society." 

This  needs  no  comment.  The  reader  should  bear  in 
mind  he  icas  not  their  agent. 

The  money  was  required  for  the  cloak  !  Mr.  IM'Dowall's 
mother  was  in  the  city, — she  had  learned  something  of  her 
son's  affliction,  and  a  mother's  soul  was  stirred  within  her. 
When  the  demand  reached  her  ears,  she  said, 

'*  Take  the  cloak  and  send  it  to  the  man,  and  let  him 
raise  the  money  upon  it." 

Mr.  M'Dowall  was  not  at  home — she  had  a  young  son 
with  her,  and  him  she  ordered  to  take  the  cloak  and  put 
it  in  the  hall  of  the  man  who  had  demanded  the  money. 

He  did  so,  and  probably  it  was  done  with  considerable 
spirit. 

This  fact  is  named,  to  give  a  little  specimen  of  the  per- 
petual vexations  that  were  assailing  him  ;  and  he  must 
have  needed  more  than  the  meekness  of  Moses,  when  he 
brake  the  tables  of  stone,  not  to  have  manifested  some  of 
the  risings  of  anger  of  which  his  enemies  accuse  him. 

Mrs.  M'Dowall  sunk  under  these  accumulated  trials ; 
severity  or  cruelty  she  had  never  inflicted ;  her  heart  was 
made  of  tenderness,  and  "on  her  lips  was  the  law  of  kind- 
ness." She  shrunk  at  the  hearing  of  bitter  vrords,  and  the 
cruel  hatred  of  those  she  had  loved. 

In  his  Journal  he  writes,  "  The  opposition  exercised  to- 
wards me,  my  dear  brother,  is  no  nevv^  thing.  It  has 
brought  me  nearly  to  the  grave — it  occasioned  my  partner 
a  severe  fit  of  sickness,  which  excited  alarming  apprehen- 
sions of  death ;  but  the  Lord  has  helped  us,  and  we  will 
serve  him  and  go  forward." 

From  this  protracted  sickness  of  twelve  weeks  she 
finally  recovered ;  but  w^as  it  to  see  good  davs  in  the  land 


212  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

of  the  living?  Not  so,  the  elements  had  not  yet  exhausted 
their  fury,  and  she  often  said, 

*'  How  long,  O  Lord,  how  long?" 

Luxury  and  Style* 

It  was  about  this  time  that  rumors  were  circulating  that 
Mr.  M' Do  wall  was  availing  himself  of  the  public  money, 
and  faring  sumptuously.  His  friends,  who  at  first  thought 
it  an  evil  report,  began  seriously  to  inquire  whether  he 
had  not  taken  the  strange  notion  to  live  a  little  like  his 
neighbors,  and  went  to  look  into  the  matter,  and,  if  needs 
be,  to  set  him  right:  for,  right  or  wrong,  the  opinion  has 
gained  in  the  world,  that  good  and  self-denying  men  must 
be  kept  in  a  state,  at  least,  of  moderate  suffering,  lest  they 
should  grow  proud. 

When  a  salary  is  to  be  given  to  a  man  in  high  station, 
it  must  be  a  heavy  one ;  when  a  present  is  to  be  made  to 
one  who  is  so  increased  in  riches  that  he  has  not  "  where 
lo  bestow  his  goods,"  it  must  be  a  prime  article ;  but 
when  a  humble,  needy  disciple  is  to  be  clothed  or  fed,  the 
garment  must  be  plain,  or  he  will  be  proud,  and  the  food 
must  be  coarse,  or  it  will  make  him  sick. 

The  case  of  Mr.  M'Dowall  was  carefully  investigated, 
and  found,  as  Mr.  Leavitt  has  stated  in  a  note  appended 
to  his  sermon :  His  best  room  used  for  a  printing-office  to 
save  rent,  and  one  small  room  served  for  a  bed-room,  kit- 
chen, and  parlor:  his  food — bread,  molasses,  and  pudding; 
and  the  superfluities,  once  or  twice  a-week  a  beefsteak. 

At  another  time,  a  similar  report  of  the  fashionable  style 
in  which  he  was  reveling  was  put  in  miOtion,  when  a 
lady,  who  had  watched  these  movements,  and  knew  the 
principle  from  which  they  proceeded,  directly  took  a  col- 
lection around  her  table  to  carry  to  Mr.  M'Dowall,  declar- 
ing this  was  a  token  of  his  need,  and  called  the  same 
evening  and  found  him  in  actual  want. 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'doWALL.  213 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 


Grand  Jury— Moral  Reform  Society— General  Refuge  on  the  banks 
of  the  HuJson— Stranger's  Home— New- York  Election— New- 
York  Observer — Obscene  Prints. 

What  next  ?  Be  patient,  reader ;  you  are  now  in  the 
outer  court.  When  we  shall  have  digged  through  the 
wall,  and  found  the  door  that  goes  into  the  inner  court, 
the  saiictuvi  sanctorum,  you  will  "  see  greater  abomina- 
tions than  these." 

"  The  Grand  Jury  present  the  monthly  publication,  en- 
titled '  MDowaUs  Journal^  as  a  nuisance,  which  calls 
loudly  for  the  interference  of  the  civil  authorities. 

"  The  New-York  Observer  endorses  the  character  of  the 
Grand  Jury,  and  prefers  against  me  the  following  addi- 
tional charges : 

"  1st.  That  I  have  been  sadly  lacking  in  a  sense  of 
christian  delicacy  and  propriety. 

♦*  2d.  That  the  Journal,  to  the  whole  extent  of  his  in- 
vestigations, is  calculated  to  promote  lewdness. 

"  3d.  That  the  Grand  Jury's  presentment  expresses  the 
sentiment  of  all  his  religious  acquaintances  with  whom  he 
has  conversed  on  the  subject. 

"My  efforts  in  this  cause  have  called  out  the  virulent 
opposition  of  the  vile  rabble  and  the  libertine  press ;  and 
last,  but  not  least,  Messrs.  S.  E.  Morse  &  Co.  who  charge 
me  with  a  sad  lack  of  christian  delicacy  and  propriety. 
Will  Mr.  Morse  tell  the  public  what  is  the  standard  of 
christian  delicacy  and  propriety  ?  If  he  answer  the  Bible, 
then  will  he  be  kind  enough  to  prove,  by  comparison,  my 
statements  with  Bible  facts?  I  challenge  him  to  a  com- 
parison. 

"  In  conclusion,  it  is  but  an  opinion  expressed  by  twenty 


214  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

or  twenty-five  individuals,  some  of  whom  confessed  that 
they  have  chanced  to  see  but  one  or  two  numbers,  and 
more  have  probably  seen  none;  and  this  opinion  is  urged 
against  the  opinion  of  thousands  of  intelligent  and  pious 
christians,  ministers,  laymen,  and  ladies,  who  have  regu- 
larly read  each  number,  and  who  have,  and  who  continue 
to  support  it,  by  their  funds  and  by  their  prayers. 

"  Let  the  New- York  Observer,  the  Courier  and  Enquirer, 
Grand  Juries,  and  the  Five  Points  say  on :  they  have  al- 
ready done  much  for  the  Journal,  by  adding  greatly  to  its 
list  of  subscribers,  and  why  should  I  complain?" 

Yes  ;  well  might  he  respond,  "  Say  on  " — Go  on.  What 
could  they  do  ?  They  could  express  an  opinion.  So  could 
a  company  of  tipplers  meet  in  an  ale-house,  and  if  haply 
ihey  could  find  a  professed  Christian,  who  would  take  a 
drop  with  them,  sit  down  sociably  together,  and  express  an 
opinion  "that  it  would  be  much  better  for  the  communi- 
ty of  dram-drinkers,  if  temperate,  virtuous  females  would 
cease  to  speak  or  act  against  husbands  keeping  late  hours 
abroad,  and  brothers  tarrying  long  at  the  wine;  conse- 
quently virtuous  women  are  a  nuisance,  and  "  call  loudly 
for  the  interference  of  civil  authorities." 

This  presentment  of  the  grand  jury  is  not  named  as  one 
of  the  "swellings  of  Jordan"  in  M'Dowall's  sad  history, 
but  simply  to  show  the  reader  that  every  portion  of  his 
life  was  filled  with  some  vexatious  impediment  to  divert 
him  from  the  grand  object.  One  might  well  nigh  con- 
clude, by  reading  his  private  journal,  that  there  had  been 
one  grand  sitting  in  the  court  of  Pandemonium ;  and  that 
an  edict  had  been  issued  that  "the  temple  of  Janus  should 
be  shut"  throughout  the  world;  that  to  every  nation, 
kindred,  and  tribe,  universal  peace  should  be  proclaimed, 
till  by  skirmish  or  battle,  siege  or  fire,  they  should  demo- 
lish this  ill-fated  man. 

It  would  seem  that  the  physical  strength  of  Samson,  to- 
gether with  the  intellect  of  Paul,  would  be  requisite  to 


REV.    JOHN    R.    M  DOWALL.  215 

hold  mind  and  matter  together  under  the  constant  roaring- 
of  thunder,  the  rattling  of  hail,  or  the  spitting  of  sleet,  to 
which  he  was  alternately  exposed. 

It  is  not  possible  to  rehearse  one  half  the  story  in  a 
volume  like  this ;  and  few  are  prepared  to  believe  what 
his  energetic  mind  planned  and  his  industry  accomplished 
in  a  few  short  years,  replete  as  they  were  with  opposition 
and  scorn.  The  world  did  7iot  know  him  ;  his  friends  did 
not  know  him.  One  of  his  brethren  remarked  of  him,  "  he 
was  the  crookedest  stick  that  ever  grew  on  mount  Zion." 
Crooked  indeed  to  every  time-serving,  slothful  professor, 
to  every  hater  of  holiness.  "  He  was  a  root  out  of  dry 
ground."  To  such  he  had  no  form  or  comeliness  where- 
by they  should  desire  him. 

^'Afril  ith,  1834.  Rev.  C.  Hall,  of  New- York  ciiy, 
called  on  me  today.  He  wished  to  have  a  private  inter- 
view, to  give  me  a  statement  of  his  views  respecting  the 
Journal,  wherein  it  might  be  improved,  and  how  a  recon- 
ciliation might  be  effected  between  me  and  the  New- York 
Female  Benevolent  Society.  Agreed  to  meet  him  at  six, 
at  his  office.  Mr.  Hall  is  the  first  man  who  ever  came  to 
me  for  such  a  purpose,  and  in  a  christian,  kind,  and  affec- 
tionate manner.  I  was  surprised;  but  most  sweetly  I 
thanked  him,  and  told  him  I  was  pleased.  This  fact  I 
write  down,  as  it  may  be  of  essential  service  to  me  in  time 
to  come." 

About  this  time  he  writes,  (1834.)  "  I  have  allowed  cares, 
anxieties,  and  persecutions  to  divert  me  from  keeping  a 
regular  journal.  The  Lord  pardon  his  servant,  for  now  1 
feel  the  loss.  There  is  no  remedy.  I  am  afflicted.  Even 
rulers  in  the  house  of  God  take  advantage  of  me  to  oppress 
me  and  ruin  my  character.  These  come  not  to  my  help. 
Lord,  give  me  grace  and  I  will  conscientiously  seek  thy 
glory.'; 

Again  his  finances  were  exhausted,  and  he  saw  no  way 
to  publish  another  number  of  his  Journal.     He  had  re- 


216  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

ceivcd  a  year's  subscription  from  some  thousands  of  peo- 
ple, whom  he  was  not  able  to  supply  with  the  last  four 
numbers  for  the  year.  He  was  well  nigh  giving  up,  fear- 
ino-  he  must  stand  before  the  public  as  a  dishonest  man. 

At  this,  to  him  distressingly  trying  time,  some  five  or 
six  persons,  who  well  knew  his  worth,  oifered  him  assist- 
ance, and  assured  him  he  might  call  on  them  in  all  times 
of  trouble. 

Mr.  Fanshaw  pledged  himself  to  continue  his  Journal 
through  the  year  gratuitously,  if  the  public  should  not  sup- 
ply him  with  funds. 

At  this  time  the  woman  who  had  been  an  agent  for  the 
Journal  from  the  beginning,  was  in  the  western  part  of 
New-York  on  the  same  business.  She  had  passed  a 
fatiguing  day ;  had  procured  but  few  subscribers,  nor 
gathered  any  donations.  As  the  day  was  drawing  to  a 
close,  she  called  at  a  house,  and  solicited  the  lady  to 
become  a  subscriber  or  give  a  small  donation  to  Mr. 
M'Dowall.  She  refused,  but  directed  her  to  a  neighbor's, 
not  far  distant,  who  was  rich  and  benevolent.  Discouraged, 
she  passed  the  gate  and  returned  :  thrice  she  did  the  same, 
resolving  and  re-resolving,  till  at  last  she  reached  the  house 
and  delivered  her  message.  The  lady  joyfully  welcomed 
her,  adding, 

"  I  have  reserved  fxfty  dollars  as  an  offering  to  the  Lord, 
and  have  been  waiting  to  know  where  best  to  bestow  it, 
and  Providence  has  kindly  sent  you  to  tell  me  wdiere  it  is 
most  needed."  She  then  subscribed  for  the  paper,  and  pre- 
vailed on  another  lady  to  do  the  same. 

With  this  donation,  together  with  w^hat  she  had  previ- 
ously collected,  she  returned  to  New- York  and  presented 
it  to  Mr.  M'Dowall:  he  hastened  to  Mr.  Fanshaw  to  can- 
cel the  debt,  but  he  generously  told  Mr.  M'Dowall  to  keep 
it  for  his  family.  This  unexpected  favor  was  gratefully 
received,  for  Mr.  M'Dowall  acknowledged  he  was  wholly 
destitute  of  the  means  of  subsistence. 


REV.    JOHN    R.     M  DOWALL.  217 

Thus  did  God,  when  assistance  from  usual  sources  failed, 
send  to  him  supplies  in  a  manner  that  the  public  knew 
not  of;  by  opening  the  hearts  of  some  whose  memory 
M'Dowail  cherished  till  his  latest  breath;  among  whom 
was  William  Brown,  Esq.  one  whom  God  had  blessed 
with  a  liberal  heart,  an  independent  mind,  and  an  abund- 
ance of  this  world' s  goods ;  and  he  was  ever  read}^  when  all 
other  sources  failed,  to  offer  his  aid  in  behalf  of  one  whose 
merit  he  well  knew,  and  from  whose  side  he  was  not  to  be 
driven  even  by  the  threatening  of  that  odium  which  was  cer- 
tain to  fall  upon  the  avowed  friends  of  the  injured  M'Dowal. 

Moral  Reform  Society. 

May,  1834. — A  Female  Moral  Reform  Society  was 
formed  auxiliary  to  the  American  Seventh  Commandment 
Society. 

Some  of  the  leading  members  of  this  Society  were  mem- 
bers of  the  New-York  Female  Benevolent  Society,  and 
withdrew  for  the  following  reason :  there  had  been  pub- 
lished in  the  Courier  and  Enquirer,  and  the  New-York 
Observer,  something  derogatory  to  the  character  of  Mr. 
M'Dowail,  and  these  ladies  presented  a  resolution,  that 
they  had  no  agency  or  responsibility  in  regard  to  any  such 
publications.    The  Board  refused  to  act  upon  it. 

These  ladies  therefore  said, 

"  We  protest  against  employing  the  name  and  influence 
of  this  Society  to  destroy  or  injure  Mr.  M'Dowail,  and  do 
now  feel  in  duty  bound  to  Avithdraw  from  all  further  con- 
nection with  this  Society."     "  Mrs.  Wm.  Green,  Jun. 

"Mrs.  D.  C.  Lansing." 

This  Society  took  a  decided  position  in  regard  to  the 
doings  of  the  Benevolent  Society,  and  have  from  the  be- 
ginning been  unshaken  in  their  fidelity  to  Mr.  M'Dowail 
and  his  cause.    Mr.  M'Dowail  rejoiced,  though,  he  had 

19 


218  MEMOIR    OF   THE 

suffered  so  much  from  the  Female  Benevolent  Society,  he 
dared  not  hope  too  much. 

When  the  National  Moral  Reform  Society  was  formed, 
he  said  "  when  the  vote  was  passed,  he  felt  as  if  all  heaven 
gave  a  shout  of  joy.*' 

General  Refuge  on  the  Banks  of  the  Hudson. 

We  now  find  him,  amidst  all  this  turmoil  of  business 
and  opposition,  planning  work  for  the  whole  American  land. 

A  General  Refuge — then  comes  a  circle,  thirteen  in 
number,  scattered  promiscuously,  contiguous  to  the  prin- 
cipal cities,  where  repenting  women  might  be  transported, 
and  pleasantly  situated  and  prepared  for  the  kingdom  of 
heaven. 

In  his  Journal  he  writes :  "  So  deeply  interested  are 
the  best  feelings  of  my  heart  in  the  execution  of  this  plan, 
that  for  months  I  have  had  to  struggle  hard  against  the 
desire  to  volunteer  my  services  to  the  public  to  execute  it." 

Next  he  calls  on  the  beloved  sisters  in  Christ,  saying, 
"  To  you  I  sent  my  appeal  in  October,  1832.  Because  the 
Lord  inclined  your  hearts  to  return  me  a  favorable  an- 
swer, therefore  it  is  that  I  have  continued  pleading  the 
cause  unto  this  day.  Again,  in  the  name  of  Christ,  who 
sent  me  to  preach  to  these  forlorn  beings,  in  whose  behalf 
I  then  addressed  you,  I  ask  for  the  land,  the  money,  the 
furniture,  the  labors,  and  the  prayers,  necessary  to  build 
this  house  for  God,  and  for  the  rescue  of  many  a  widow's 
daughter  and  motherless  and  fatherless  child. 

"  Could  you  see  some  of  them  enter  my  office,  or  stop 
me  in  the  street,  and  ask  for  a  home  where  they  can  reform, 
sympathy  and  love  would  unloose  the  purse-strings,  and 
give  me  fifty  thousand  dollars  before  May,  and  an  asylum 
to  them  before  October. 

"  My  plan  is,  to  have  an  asylum  in  the  country,  and  a 
receiving-house  in  New- York,  and  another  in  Albany, 
Troy,  &c.  and  missionaries  in  each  of  the  cities. 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  219 

*'  Funds  sent  for  this  purpose  will  be  deposited  in  the 
Greenwich  Savings  Bank,  in  the  city  of  New- York.  Not 
one  cent  will  be  used  until  a  sum  sufficient  is  on  hand. 

*'  Such  funds  are  a  sacred  deposit.  We  shall  either 
apply  them  exclusively  to  the  object,  or  return  them  to  the 

donors." 

*  *  »  #  *  * 

Another  plan  of  benevolence  M' Do  wall  projected,  was 
to  have  a  Stranger^ s  Home,  a  house  for  virtuous  girls  from 
the  country,  who  were  seeking  employment,  where  they 
might  stop  till  they  could  be  directed  to  suitable  places,  as 
multitudes  of  this  class  are  led  into  houses  of  infamy,  un- 
suspecting of  danger,  till  they  are  engulfed  in  ruin  and 
despair.  And  likewise  for  city  domestics  who  are  dis- 
missed from  places,  and  often  go  from  house  to  house  to 
seek  employment,  till,  ignorantly,  they  engage  in  a  family 
whose  house  leads  down  to  the  chambers  of  death. 

Prevention  was  his  whole  endeavor  in  all  the  last  move- 
ments he  made.    To  close  up  every  avenue  was  his  only 

hope. 

*  #  *  *  *  * 

He  says,  "  Who  will  now  doubt  the  truth  of  the  Mag- 
dalen Report  ? 

'*  The  election  of  Mayor  and  Aldermen  for  New- York 
city  took  place  on  the  9th,  10th,  and  11th  of  April,  1834. 

"  Scenes  of  riot  and  bloodshed  were  presented  to  the 
observer,  such  as  no  friend  of  liberty  and  morals  loves  to 
record. 

**  The  daily  papers  have  already  told  the  world  tiiat  the 
Mayor  received  a  severe  blow — that  the  District  Attorney 
was  knocked  down — that  six  captains  of  the  city  watch 
were  seriously  injured — that  the  ribs  of  some  were  broken, 
and  the  heads  and  arms  of  others  sorely  wounded — that 
not  less  than  fifty  persons  were  knocked  down  in  one 
place — that  serious  fighting  and  violent  threats  were  made 
in  other  places — that  thousands  crowded  the  streets,  and 


220  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

endangered  the  peace  and  safety  of  the  city — and  that 
companies  of  light  infantry  and  dragoons  were  ordered  to 
assemble  under  arms  in  the  arsenal. 

*'  It  was  a  horrid  scene  I  As  I  stood  at  the  corner  of  one 
of  the  streets,  near  the  polls,  and  looked  on  the  affray,  I 
thought  of  the  Magdalen  Report — of  the  Journal,  and  its 
recent  presentment,  "  as  a  nuisance,  "  by  the  Grand  Jury  of 
this  city.  I  could  not  but  wonder  that  jurors  should  labor 
to  cover  up  our  iniquities,  which  the  election  has  exposed 
to  the  world.  And  it  is  not  to  be  forgotten  that  these  riots, 
and  this  blood-shedding,  occurred  principally  in  the  sixth 
ward,  and  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  Five  Points." 

New-York  Observer. 

"  Mr.  Morse  expresses  great  fear  that  my  Journal  has 
and  will  direct  men  to  houses  of  infamy  ;  but  he  expresses 
no  fear  that  the  enticements  and  allurements  to  profligacy 
abounding  in  our  streets  will  lead  men  astray.  Hundreds 
of  vile  men  and  women  may  be  seen  in  our  streets  any 
night  that  is  not  exceedingly  unpleasant  by  reason  of  rain, 
hail,  or  snow:  this  is  a  common  nightly  scene.  Men 
are  sometimes  seen  singly  or  in  troops.  Sometimes  they 
employ  a  hackman,  and  four  or  six  persons  may  be  seen 
coming  out  of  a  carriage  before  a  house  of  ill-fame. 

"  Mr.  Morse  makes  no  mention  of  lewd  men  who  go  to 
porter-houses,  theatres,  hotels,  to  markets  and  wharves, 
circuses,  &c.  to  escort  the  profligate  to  houses  of  impurity. 
He  is  either  in  ignorance  of  the  true  state  of  things,  which 
his  optics  ought  to  observe,  or  is  more  fearful  of  the  evil 
effects  of  the  Journal  than  he  is  of  all  these  sources  of  ini- 
quity. And  what  is  passing  strange,  he  utters  not  one 
word  of  alarm  or  censure  against  the  organized  establish- 
ments of  vice,  but  seems  to  pass  them  over  as  if  they  were 
to  be  tolerated. 

'*  Physicians  may  open  offices  and  print  advertisements  to 
the  same  purport  on  hand-bills,  and  send  boys  to  distri. 


KEV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  221 

b'jte  them  in  public  streets,  about  the  wharves,  and  paste 
them  up ;  wicked  women  may  circulate  cards  among  young 
men,  as  directories  to  their  houses  ;  but,  O,  the  Journal  is 
the  evil-worker!  And  Mr.  Morse,  instead  of  bending  his 
energies  against  these,  lends  his  pen  to  crush  me,  whom 
he  injuriously  classes  with  the  most  obscene  authors  that 
ever  wrote  a  paragraph. 

*'  I  regard  this  as  invidious  and  wicked.  If  Mr.  Morse 
is  a  christian,  so  am  I,  and  a  member  of  the  same  com- 
H) union  with  himself.  Why,  then,  did  he  not  obey  the  rules 
of  Christ's  house,  and  come  to  me,  and,  alone,  tell  me  my 
imputed  faults,  recomm.end  a  better  course,  and  offer  his 
assistance.  No.  He  refused  articles  I  s«nt  for  insertion 
in  his  paper,  nor  would  he  publish  any  thing  on  the  sub- 
ject of  licentiousness.  This  was  one  of  the  causes  that  in- 
duced me  to  publish  the  Journal,  Pvloreover,  he  attacked 
me  in  an  unkind  and  unchristian  manner.  He  made 
broad  assertions;  he  preferred  charges  against  me,  which, 
if  true,  would  depose  me  from  the  ministry.  He  gave  no 
evidence — no  reason  for  the  truth  and  equity  of  his  serious 
impeachments  affecting  my  moral  character. 

*'  He  affirmed  that  I  had  published  articles  of  a  certain 
character,  and  refused  to  inform  his  readers  what  those 
articles  were  ;  and  has  declined  to  let  his  readers  have  the 
titles,  and  the  page  and  volume  where  they  may  be  found. 
Such  treatment  I  consider  cruel ;  it  is  condemning  me 
unheard;  it  is  prejudicing  against  me  every  intelligent 
person  who  has  confidence  in  the  Observer's  opinion, 
candor,  and  honesty.  If  Mr.  Morse  had  assigned  the 
reasons  for  his  opinions,  given  the  evidence  and  the  ar- 
ticles to  which  he  alluded,  or  their  import  in  his  own  un- 
exceptionable  phraseology ;  and  the  names  of  the  young 
men,  or  vouchers  for  the  truth  of  his  statement,  I  would 
not  have  complained;  for  his  readers  having  his  data, 
could  follow  his  reasoning  and  perceive  the  correctness  or 
fallacy  of  his  conclusions. 

19* 


222  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

"I  insist  upon  it,  he  ought  to  have  done  this,  or  said 
nothing  about  me. 

"  I  called  on  him  the  day  he  publi8hed  these  groundless 
charges,  and  reasoned  with  him.  I  allowed  him  time  to 
retract  his  statements ;  but  he  has  not  done  it.  I  have  no 
expectation  Mr.  Morse  will  be  the  just  man  to  permit  my 
defence  to  come  through  his  paper  into  the  audience  of  the 
jury  before  which  he  has  condemned  me.  He  told  me 
that  he  could  not  print  certain  things  which  he  condemned 
in  the  Journal,  and  he  did  not  feel  inclined  to  state  their 
import,  nor  to  refer  to  the  articles  which  he  censured. 

"  I  do  entreat  those  editorial  gentlemen  who  favor  the 
cause  I  advocate,  to  publish  this  article  in  their  columns." 

M  Dow  all,  though  dead,  yet  speaketh. 

"  In  the  winter  of  1833-4,  Mr.  M'Dowall  entered  upon 
his  researches  into  the  manufacture  and  importation  of  ob- 
scene books,  prints,  music-boxes,  snuff-boxes,  &c.  &c.  and 
was  completely  astounded  by  his  discoveries ;  no  less  than 
three  thousand  dollars'  worth  of  them  being  within  a  stone's 
throw  of  his  own  office. 

"  He  applied  to  the  Police  Office  to  obtain  their  interfer- 
ence, but  without  success,  as  there  is  no  law  in  this  state 
authorizing  a  search  for  such  articles.  During  the  week 
of  anniversaries  in  the  year  1834,  he  called  together  about 
three  hundred  clergymen  and  others  at  the  Chatham-street 
Chapel  Lecture-room,  and  after  giving  a  short  sketch  of 
his  labors  in  this  department,  in  which,  as  in  all  other  ope- 
rations, he  had  received  considerable  censure  from  friends, 
who  could  not  form  an  idea  of  the  evil  from  what  they  had 
seen  or  heard,  he  Avent  on  to  say  that  our  country  was 
flooded  with  these  obscene  articles.  Many  persons,  espe- 
cially clergymen,  more  than  hinted  their  thankfulness  that 
they  lived  in  places  that  were  not  yet  polluted  with  such 
works  of  the  devil.  But  when  they  were  presented  to 
view,  and  were  assured  that  these  were  purchased  from 


REV.    JOHN    R.    M  DOWALL.  223 

retail  dealers,  manufacturers:,  and  importers  in  New-York; 
and  these  from  the  same  classes  in  Boston,  Philadelphia, 
&c.  &c;  and  these  from  such  a  town,  village,  &c.  almost  all 
present  started  with  horror,  as  the  conviction  fastened  upon 
the  mind  that  M'Dowall  was  correct  in  his  assertions,  and 
that  no  man's  sons  or  daughters  could  be  safe  from  pollu- 
tion of  mind,  even  under  the  most  vigilant  inspection  of 
their  parents  ;  so  long  as  many  of  the  venders  of  these  arti- 
cles enter  our  dwellings  as  pedlars  of  books,  dry-goods,  &c. 
and  when  opportunity  offers,  produce  from  the  false  bottoms 
of  their  packages,  or  some  other  secret  place,  these  works  of 
pollution,  and  urge  them  upon  the  youth  of  our  land. 

"  They  felt  the  force  of  M' Do  wall's  remarks  as  these 
articles  were  spread  out  before  them.  He  then  presented 
a  catalogue  from  one  house  only,  of  more  than  forty  ob- 
scene books.  Such  developements  could  not  but  fill  the 
hearts  of  parents  with  the  deepest  intensity  of  feeling,  at 
the  awful  responsibility  laid  upon  them,  when  they  saw 
the  shrev/dness  of  the  adversary  in  preparing  his  machine- 
ry for  the  destruction  of  all  classes.  Here  were  prints 
made  expressly  for  children — others  of  a  better  workman- 
ship, at  a  little  higher  price ;  and  others  again,  in  which 
were  displayed  the  skill  of  the  best  artists  in  our  country 
at  engraving,  printing,  and  coloring.  Here  were  boxes 
of  a  variety  of  prices,  from  the  commonest  tobacco-box  to 
the  superb  music-box.  Here  were  an  assortment  of  ob- 
scene playing-cards ;  also  a  variety  of  books,  here  and 
there  ornamented  with  plates ;  some  as  common  as  possi- 
ble, and  purchased  for  a  few  cents  each,  others  prepared  for 
such  as  cared  not  for  expense.  In  short,  the  variety  pre- 
sented to  view,  with  the  actual  responsibility  of  parents  and 
guardians  of  youth,  seemed  to  impress  almost  every  mind 
with  the  imperious  duty  of  the  most  energetic  operations 
in.  moral  reform  ;  and  many,  who  before  felt  or  thought  lit- 
tle on  the  subject,  now  resolved  never  to  cease  from  their 
labor  in  these  operations  till  death  closed  their  career. 


224  KEMOIR    OF    THE 

•'  This  meeting  had  the  effect  of  eliciting  many  horrible 
accounts  of  the  depravity  of  our  youth  in  various  parts  of 
the  country.  Here  was  revealed  what  was  not  known  to 
many  present — the  fact  that  most  of  our  colleges  and  large 
schools  are  abundantly  supplied  with  all  these  things. 

"Mr.  M'Dowall  had  in  contemplation,  when  he  called 
this  meeting,  the  purchasing  a  few  of  these  articles  from 
the  various  dealers  in  every  city  and  town  throughout  the 
country ;  and  on  some  specified  day  to  have  some  persons 
in  each  place  to  take  hold  of,  by  law,  these  fiends  in  human 
shape,  and  stop  their  iniquitous  practices.  But  on  the  re- 
turn of  these  ministers  to  their  homes,  some  felt  that  no 
time  should  be  lost,  and  at  once  proceeded  in  breaking  up 
the  traffic. 

"This  haste,  together  with  the  want  of  funds,  prevented 
the  farther  prosecution  of  this  affair  out  of  New-York. 
But  although  Mr.  M'Dowall's  hands  were  tied  in  this  re- 
spect, he  was  not  idle,  but  was  furthering  the  cause  through 
our  mayer,  some  of  the  common  council,  and  the  police 
department ;  many  of  whom  were  showing  great  attention 
to  him,  properly  appreciating  his  worth  to  mankind,  -while 
a  large  majority  of  his  ministerial  brothers  were  casting 
him  out  as  too  vile  to  be  classed  among  decent  men. 

"  His  last  act  in  moral  reform  operations  w^as  to  hand 
over  to  the  police  department,  at  their  request,  a  variety  of 
the  works  of  iniquity  just  mentioned.  And  in  consequence 
of  his  exertions,  now  while  he  is  enjoying  his  reward  in 
heaven,  our  constituted  authorities  are  striving  to  obtain  an 
Act  entitling  them  to  the  power  of  searching  for  such  articles. 

"  Mr.  M'Dowall  knew  of  very  many  thousand  dollars' 
worth  of  those  articles  for  sale  in  New-York,  and  of  seve- 
ral places  in  our  city  where  they  were  manufactured ;  but 
nothing  effectual  could  be  done  without  adequate  laws. 
This  power  we  shall  now  have,  through  his  instrumen- 
tality ;  and  then  the  dealers  in  them  may  expect  to  meet 
with  a  portion  of  what  they  deserve  from  their  fellow- 
citizens. 


REV.    JOHN    R.     M  DOWALL.  225 

"  These  dealers  are  to  be  found,  not  among  the  low  and 
vulgar  only,  but  among  all  classes,  from  the  pedlars  of 
books  in  our  markets  to  the  wholesale  merchants  and  im- 
porters, a  catalogue  of  whose  names,  occupation,  street, 
and  number,  is  now  among  his  papers.  These  comprise, 
principally,  the  dealers  in  our  cities,  such  as  New-York, 
Boston,  &c.  &c." 


After  this  general  meeting  Mr.  M'Dowall  made  the 
most  diligent  researches  from  city  to  city.  He  had  offices 
established  in  different  places — New-York,  Boston,  and 
Cincinnati. 

He  visited  Philadelphia,  May  17th,  and  writes,  "Fa- 
tigued— sick.  On  Sabbath  attended  colored  Methodist 
preaching." 

'*  Wednesday,  2\st. — Meeting  in  the  session-room  in 
Cherry-street — found  fifty-three  places  where  lewd  prints 
are  for  sale — five  hundred  prints — fifty  snuff-boxes — three 
musical  boxes. 

"  Thursday. — Met  again  by  adjournment. 

"  Friday,  2od. — Met  again. 

"  Saturday. — Met  by  adjournment — resolutions  passed, 
end  were  to  be  forwarded  to  me  at  31  Cornhill,  Boston. 

"  A.  M. — Took  the  rail-road  boat  for  Boston,  arrived  at 
New- York  near  sun-set. 

''Monday,  2^th. — Took  a  boat  for  Boston,  Rev.  Mr.  Mat- 
theson  and  Mr.  Reed,  of  England,  on  board  ;  had  an  agree- 
able interview.  Rev.  Dr.  Peters  on  board — opposed  to  the 
Journal ;  says  it  pours  the  light  of  corruption  through  the 
land. 

"  Retired  about  two  o'clock  in  the  morning,  much  op' 
pressed  by  pain  in  the  head. 

"  Wednesday,  2Sth. — Boston,  arrived  about  nine  P.  M. 
exhausted  by  excessive  labor,  anxiety,  and  sleepless  hours. 
I  was  unable  to  prosecute  my  business,  and  retired  to  rest 
in  bed.     Several  s^entlemen  called  on  me. 


226  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

♦*  Deacon  Grant  and  Deacon  W.  G.  Lambert,  from  the 
Boston  Committee  on  prints,  called  on  me ;  I  was  in  bed. 
They  feel  unpleasantly  about  their  situation.  I  informed 
them  that  Burrows  told  me  that  the  meeting  that  appointed 
the  committee  wished  to  have  nothing  to  do  with  me  in  any 
shape,  and  therefore  I  did  not  consult  with  the  committee 
by  letter ;  I  had  intended  to  call  on  them,  but  ill-health  and 
business  had  prevented.  I  sent  Mr.  Burrows  to  this  city; 
paid  him  a  dollar  a  day  and  his  traveling  expenses,  and 
intended  on  the  following  week  to  have  superintended  all 
his  operations  in  person,  but  was  necessarily  prevented. 
The  articles  he  had  purchased  for  them  were  in  my  office, 
and  should  be  returned  to  them. 

"  My  investigations  in  New-England  have  cost  several 
hundred  dollars,  and  means  are  now  in  active  operation  to 
carry  them  through.  Boston  is,  as  it  has  been,  the  immt- 
diate  theatre  of  my  researches. 

"  I  regret  that  expediency  renders  it  impossible  for  your 
committee  to  have  any  connection  with  me.  It  shall  not 
be  my  business  purposely  to  thwart  your  designs. 

"  I  have  a  plan  embracing  every  city  and  considerable 
town  in  America,  and,  to  my  might,  even  unto  death,  am 
resolved  to  put  it  into  execution. 

•'  Probably  a  better  knowledge  of  my  plan  might  influ- 
ence the  committee  to  aid  me.  My  health  is  still  very  fee- 
ble, or  I  should  personally  call  on  you.  In  view  of  my  bu- 
siness and  engagements,  I  considered  it  my  solemn  duty  to 
go  forward. 

''W 's  clerk  said  he  sold  one  hundred   dollars' 

worth  of  pictures  to  one  man  last  week.  He  had  two 
books,  price  eighty  dollars — fifty  for  one  and  thirty  for  the 
other.  They  are  in  his  bed-room  in  the  tavern,  and  prints 
hang  around  the  bed-room.    He  has  a  large  quantity  of 

them.  house,  Milk-street,  Boston  ;  have  four  hundred 

to  five  hundred  dollars'  worth  on  hand. 

"  J said  he  sold  about  one  hundred  prints  this  week, 


REV.    JOHN    R.    M  DO  WALL.  227 

principally  to  young  men  citizens,  some  to  sailors, — hung 
up  around  his  room. 

"A  sailor,  in  a  cellar  in  Ann-street,  eighteen  or  twenty 
years  old,  said  that  he  brought  from  China  and  gave  away 
a  long  roll  of  one  or  two  dozen  of  obscene  prints." 

To  Messrs.  Grant  and  Lambert, 

"  I  expect  to  return  from  New-York  to  your  city  in  a 
few  weeks,  and  hope  to  have  an  interview  with  you,  and 
other  friends  of  moral  reform  in  Boston. 

*'  I  expect  to  engage  in  investigations,  and  shall  be  pleas- 
ed to  render  aid  to  you  and  others,  so  far  as  my  ability 
will  enable  me,  and  will  thankfully  receive  any  proffered 
pecuniary  assistance,  and  sucJi  suggestions  as  discreet  in- 
dividuals or  societies  shall  feel  it  to  be  their  duty  to  make. 

"J.    R.    M' Do  WALL/' 


CHAPTER  XXV. 


Third  Presbytery — Kindness — Mobs — Letter  to  Oneida — Institute — 
Leaves  the  house  in  Mott-street — Address  to  the  Ladies  of  the 
Moral  Reform  Socieiy. 

Verily  the  sound  has  gone  out  into  all  the  earth,  as  far 
as  the  name  of  M' Do  wail  is  known,  that  a  third  Presby- 
tery exists  in  the  city  of  New- York,  of  which  he  was  a 
member,  and  that  this  Presbytery  saw  fit  to  arraign  Mr. 
M'Dowall  before  them,  in  June,  1834,  to  hear  certain 
charges  made  against  his  Journal. 

"  Mr.  Roe  Lockwood,  a  member  in  Dr.  Cox's  church 
in  New- York,  called  at  my  office,  and  told  me  that  he  in- 
tended to  prefer  against  the  Journal  certain  charges  before 
the  Third  Presbytery  of  New- York,  on  the  2d  of  June 
following ;  and  that  he  wished  me  to  attend  and  hear  his 


228  MEMOIR    OF    THS 

charges.  Accordingly,  on  the  2d  of  June,  I  went  to  the 
Third  Presbytery,  and  then  Mr.  Lockwood  requested  the 
presbytery  to  allow  him  to  state  to  them  some  of  his  objec- 
tions to  M'Dowall's  Journal.  M'Dowall  stated  that  there 
were  other  charges  than  Mr.  R.  Lockwood's,  and  that  he 
hoped  the  presbytery  would  notice  them  too.  and  thus  take 
up  the  whole  subject;  that  Mr.  Lockwood's  charges  were 
confined  to  the  Journal,  and  did  not  implicate  Mr. 
M'Dowall's  honesty,  but  that  the  other  charges  did  crimi- 
nate him  of  dishonesty.  Hoped  that  the  charges  would  be 
tabled,  and  the  presbytery  proceed  regularly.  The  pres- 
bytery agreed  to  hear  Mr.  Lockwood  on  the  3d  of  June, 
at  Chatham-street  Chapel.  Met  at  the  Chatham-street 
Chapel.  M'Dowall  insisted  that  the  presbytery  should 
proceed  according  to  the  book — should  table  charges,  and 
give  him  a  copy.  He  did  not  see  that  any  satisfactory  re- 
sult could  be  otherwise  obtained. 

"  Dr.  Cox  and  others  wished  to  consider  the  subject  in 
a  fraternal  conversational  meeting  of  presbytery,  as  he 
believed  that  in  that  way  the  presbytery  would  arrive  at 
such  results  as  would  prevent  the  technicalities,  and  avoid 
the  iron  teeth  of  the  law. 

"M'Dowall  replied,  that  he  stood  before  his  presbytery 
— that  he  wished  the  presbytery  to  table  its  charges 
against  him  :  that  if  his  Journal  was  corrupting  public 
morals,  he  ought  to  be  tried  ;  and,  if  condemned,  to  be  cen- 
sured for  publishing  erroneous  opinions  which  injure  the 
purity  and  peace  of  the  church  ;  and  that  if  he  were  dis- 
honest, he  ought  to  be  deposed  from  the  ministry. 

"Mr.  R.  Lockwood  and  M'Dowall  were  asked  if  they 
were  willing  to  discuss  the  subject  in  an  interlocutory 
meeting  of  presbytery.  L.  was  willing  ;  M'D.  demurred, 
for  several  reasons,  principally  because  that  he  did  not  see 
that  pny  satisfactory  result  could  thereby  be  obtained. 

After  some  conversation,  during  which  it  was  stated 
that  the  Presbytery,  at  the  close  of  the  interlocutory  meet- 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  229 

ing,  would  record  a  vote,  M'Dowall  did  distinctly  under- 
stand that  if  the  Presbytery  should  record  a  vote,  that 
then  the  Presbytery,  upon  that  recording  vote,  would  pro- 
ceed formally  to  the  trial ;  but  if  it  should  appear  that 
there  were  no  grounds  for  charges  against  M'Dowall,  no 
vote  would  be  recorded,  and  then  the  whole  matter  would 
be  kept  off  the  minutes  of  the  Presbytery.  M'Dowall  still 
preferred  not  to  go  into  an  interlocutory.  Dr.  Cox  then 
stated,  if  M'Dowall  would  not  consent  to  this,  he  would 
table  charges,  as  he  was  seriously  impeached  by  highly 
respectable  ladies,  M'Dowall  cast  himself  upon  the  Pres- 
bytery, and  would  take  the  course  it  prescribed.  It  was 
objected,  that  M'Dowall  cast  himself  upon  the  sympathies 
of  the  Presbytery ;  to  which  he  replied,  that  he  did  not 
cast  himself  upon  the  sympathies,  but  upon  the  christian 
judgment  of  the  Presbytery.  The  Presbytery  then  re- 
solved that  it  would  go  into  an  interlocutory  meeting. 
Mr.  Charles  Starr,  one  of  Dr.  Cox's  elders,  was  invited  to 
sit  as  a  corresponding  member. 

Mr.  Lockwood  stated : 

"  1st.  That  common  fame  and  Grand  Juries  presented 
M'Dowall's  Journal  as  a  nuisance. 

"  2d.  That  M'Dowall  ranked  editors,  and  others  who 
opposed  his  Journal,  with  the  licentious.     ^ 

"  3d.  That  the  whole  work,  except  here  and  there,  is 
full  of  exceptionable  matter,"  &c.  &c.  &c.  till  twenty  charges 
were  on  file. 

During  the  time  these  statements  were  made  M'Dowall 
repeatedly  objected  to  the  course,  and  called  for  the  tabling 
of  charges,  which  was  opposed  by  Dr.  Cox  and  others. 

Mr.  Starr  brought  his  charges  before  the  interlocutory, 
amounting  at  first  to  some  "  forty  or  fifty,  which,  however, 
a  few  days  after,  he  reduced  to  twenty-five."  These  charges 
were  (as  appears  from  the  Presbytery's  resolutions)  satis- 
factorily refuted  by  two  of  Mr.  M'Dowall's  friends,  who 
occupied  about  a  week.  Mr.  M'Dowall  devoted  his  time 
20 


230  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

to  the  refutation  of  these  charges,  as  his  christian  charac- 
ter was  deeply  involved  in  them,  and  paid  little  or  no 
attention  to  the  charges  against  the  Journal. 

The  meeting  next  took  up  Mr.  Lockwood's  opinions  of 
the  Journal,  and  wished  M' Do  wall  to  reply  to  them.  He 
declined  doing  this,  because  he  was  much  exhausted  by 
the  eflbrts  already  made,  and  because  he  saw  no  object  to 
be  gained,  nor  why  he  should  be  called  on  to  reply  to 
certain  opinions  that  individuals  might  entertain  respect- 
ing his  paper.  Why  not  call  on  I\Ir.  Leavitt,  editor  of  the 
Evangelist,  to  answer  to  certain  opinions  respecting  his 
paper  ? 

When  the  meeting  came  to  consider  Mr.  Lockwood's 
0})inions,  the  following  questions  were  introduced  :  1st.  On 
what  principles  ought  moral  reform  to  be  conducted  ?  2d. 
What  are  the  moral  aspects  and  tendencies  of  M'Dowall's 
Journal  ?  On  these  questions  M'Dowall  spoke  three  quar- 
ters of  an  hour.  The  members  then,  in  order,  gave  their 
opinions.  Some  days  were  occupied  by  members  express- 
ing their  opinions  of  the  Journal.  Before  all  had  delivered 
their  opinions,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  draft  resolu- 
tions relative  to  the  Journal.  The  resolutions  were  drafted 
and  presented  to  the  meeting,  and,  after  some  amendments, 
were  received  and  adopted  ;  and  the  meeting  then  resolved 
into  presbytery,  and  immediately,  without  discussing  the 
resolutions,  passed  the  same  in  presbytery,  as  a  presby- 
terial  act. 

On  the  question  of  adopting  and  publishing  them  as  a 
presbyterial  act,  the  vote  stood  six  to  five.  Some  did  not 
vote,  of  whom  was  Mr.  M'Dowall.  Most  of  the  friends  of 
the  Journal  were  absent  when  the  vote  was  taken,  and 
several  were  out  of  town.* 

The  Presbytery  finally  concluded,  after  adding  the  fol 
lowing  resolution : 

♦  M'Dowall's  Journal,  vol.  2,  i»fgv  95, 


REV.    JOUN    R.    M  DO  WALL.  *23 1 

Resolved,  That  while,  so  far  as  the  presbytery  have  in- 
Ycsiigated,  they  have  seen  no  reason  to  impeach  the  moral 
character  of  Mr.  M'Dowall  in  the  management  of  the  pe- 
cuniary interests  of  the  cause  in  which  he  was  engaged  ; 
yet,  in  their  opinion,  it  is  highly  inexpedient  for  a  minister 
of  the  Gospel  to  bear  the  responsibility  of  administering  pe- 
cuniary concerns,  and  receiving  and  expending  money  in 
any  enterprise  of  benevolence,  especially  one  so  extensive 
as  that  under  consideration. 

A  true  extract  from  the  minutes. 

(Attest)         Eli  HIT  Baldwin,  Clerk. 

Is  the  inquir}'  made,  Why  all  this  opposition  to 
M'Dowall  and  his  Journal  ? 

The  answer  is  obvious. 

'*  In  June,  1833,  the  Benevolent  Society,  for  the  first 
lime,  laid  cjairn  to  Mr.  M'Dowall  as  their  hired  and  ac- 
countable age7it  since  April,  1832.  They  claimed  that 
be  was  under  their  control,  responsible  to  ihern  for  all  the 
money  he  had  received,  or  might  receive,  from  the  public, 
whatever  might  have  been  the  purpose  for  which  it  had 
been  sent,  even  if  it  was  expressed  by  the  donors  as  for 
"  his  use^^  or  "  to  be  disposed  of  at  his  discretion,^^  or  "  for 
the  use  of  his  family."  In  short,  they  claimed  all  and 
every  dollar  that  was  not  sent  expressly  for  his  Journal. 

Such  were  their  claims  ;  and  although  M'Dowall  had 
always  deemed  them  totally  unjust  and  unvalid,  yet,  to 
prevent  slander  and  promote  harmony,  he  paid  them  all 
they  demanded,  up  to  the  6th  of  August,  1833.  Peace  and 
harmony,  however,  were  not  restored  :  and  Mr.  M'Dowall 
paid  no  regard  to  subsequent  claims,  but  disposed  of  mo- 
neys sent  to  him,  according  to  the  direction  of  the  donors. 

This  resistance  of  Mr.  M'Dowall  to  the  claims  of  the 
Female  Benevolent  Society,  ga\'e  occasion  to  the  nume- 
rous reports  circulated  against  his  character,  and  this  was 
the  commencement  of  their  opposition  to  his  Journal.  The 


232 


MEMOIR    OF    THE 


consequence  of  this  was  a  total  separation  between  them. 
These  reports  against  Mr.  M'Dowall,  and  this  opposition 
to  his  Journal,  continued  up  to  the  regular  meeting  of  the 
"  Third  Presbytery,"  about  the  1st  of  June.* 

Mr.  M'Dowall  remarks,  '' Seventh  Commandment  So- 
ciety met  and  devised  a  plan  to  sustain  the  Journal.  Brother 
Leavitt  and  William  Green,  Jun.  assisted  me  much.  The 
Lord  regard  ihem."  William  Green  invited  him  to  his 
house,  and  patiently  and  faithfully  investigated  his  accounts 
during  the  sitting  of  the  presbytery.  He  likewise  defend- 
ed his  cause  before  the  presbytery.  The  protracted  trials 
Mr.  M'Dowall  had  been  passing  through  for  months  and 
years,  had  rendered  him  wholly  unfit  to  contend  with  a 
host  like  this.  His  health  was  greatly  impaired,  his 
spirits  depressed,  and  he  felt  that  God  was  giving  him  over 
into  the  hands  of  his  enemies.  But  his  patient  and  for- 
bearing spirit  clearly  exemplified  the  religion  he  profess- 
ed. Mr.  Green  testifies,  that  when  adjusting  his  accounts, 
many  things  which  might  operate  against  him  on  the  trial 
he  insisted  should  be  produced,  that  no  appearance  of  in- 
trigue, or  fear  of  coming  to  the  light,  should  be  alleged 
against  him. 

Mohs. 

July,  1834,  was  memorable  for  a  new  declaration  of  In- 
dependence. A  simultaneous  movement  was  made  to  clear 
the  city  of  such  nuisances  as  were  most  offensive. 

The  property  of  abolitionists  and  the  office  of  M'Dowall 
were  the  victims,  and  brick-bats,  fire,  and  storm,  the  wea- 
pons. M'Dowall  was  advised  to  leave  his  dwelling,  and 
take  the  sign  from  his  office,  to  prevent  an  effusion  of 
blood. 

He  left  his  house  and  took  refuge  with  the  mob.  He 
accompanied  them   in  disguise  from  place  to  place,  and 

♦  See  M'DovvaU's  Journal,  Vol.  2.  p.  94. 


KEV.    JOHN     R.     K' DOW  ALL.  '^03 

kv.rned  all  ihcir  arrangements,  and  went  vviili  [.lioin  to  his 
office.  They  paused,  and  said,  "  This  is  iM^DowalTs — ali, 
he's  a  poor  dccil — we  wont  hurt  him,''  and  passed  on.  O, 
ihought  M'Dowall,  how  much  more  lenient  is  this  lawless 
mob  to  me  than  those  who  call  themselves  m.y  brethren  ! 
He  escaped  unhurt,  and  his  property  unmolested,  though 
he  had  every  reason  to  believe  that  many  of  that  rabble 
were  those  who  had  previously  threatened  him  destruction 
if  he  disclosed  their  abominations. 

July  2ith. — He  writes  in  his  Journal,  "  The  Presbytery 
j-ay  that  proper  information,  as  to  the  existence  of  the  vice 
and  the  dangers  vvhich  beset  the  young  and  the  unguard- 
ed, especially  females,  in  large  towns  and  cities,  may  be 
difiused. 

"  How  can  you  show  females  the  dangers  which  beset 
them,  unless  you  show  the  gins,  traps,  pit-falls,  arts,  lures, 
&:c.  used  by  wicked  men  and  seducers  to  ruin  iheni?  Are 
not  these  the  dangers  that  beset  them  ?  And  to  diffuse  a 
knowledge  of  these  dangers,  would  be  diffusing  details 
which  the  Presbytery  condemn  as  sin. 

"Thousands  of  this  Journal  have  been  circulated  gratui- 
tously in  the  city,  in  haunts  of  riotous  and  corrupted  per- 
sons, and  among  the  seamen  and  men  sailing  on  the  neigh- 
boring rivers  and  coast.  Because  these  Journals  were 
read  by  many  of  tl>e  abandoned,  does  it  therefore  follow 
that  the  Journal  is  a  corrupt  publication  ?  Are  Tracts 
and  Bibles  given  gratuitously  to  the  same  sinners  in  the 
same  places?  And  because  some  of  the  Tracts  and  Bibles 
are  read,  does  it  follow  that  Tracts  and  Bibles  are  of  li- 
centious tendency  1  And  if  a  Bible  should  be  found  in  a 
house  of  ill-fame,  or  in  a  drawer  by  the  side  of  a  noto- 
riously vile  book,  would  that  juxta  position  determine  the 
Bible  to  be  a  bad  book  ?  Or  if  a  few  worthless  persons 
should  occasionally  purchase  a  Bible  or  Tracts,  would 
their  purchase  be  evidence  that  their  Bible  or  Tracts  were 
at  least  of  questionable  moral  influence  ?  That  the  majo* 
20* 


234  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

rity  of  the  readers  of  the  Bible  and  of  Tracts  were  adul- 
terers ?  Or  if  a  female  were  seen  reading  the  Bible  for  a 
few  days  or  weeks  previous  to  her  seduction,  would  that 
prove  that  the  Bible  caused  her  downfall  ?  Yet  such  is 
a  specimen  of  the  reasoning  by  which  it  was  attempted  to 
be  proved,  in  the  Third  Presbytery  of  New-York,  that  the 
Journal  is  injurious  to  public  morals.  They  complain  of 
the  details  of  lewdness  in  my  Journal.  Are  there  in  the 
Bible  any  transgressions  of  the  seventh  commandment  de- 
tailed in  a  minute,  practical,  and  plain  manner,  so  that  the 
unlearned  may  understand  it  ? 

"  Do  any  persons  object  to  the  Bible  as  a  corrupt  and 
bad  book  on  account  of  its  minute  and  practical  details  of 
crime  ?  Do  any  persons  object  to  the  Bible  as  a  book 
filled  with  incredible  statements,  because  many  of  these 
statements  are  horrible  ?  Yet  my  Journal  is  incredible, 
because  the  descriptions  are  appalling  and  degrading  to 
our  refined  city. 

"  A  resolution  passed  to  this  effect — 

"  That  instead  of  a  periodical  exclusively  devoted  to  the 
evils  of  licentiousness,  and  designed  for  general  circulation, 
they  would  prefer,  that,  in  connection  with  well  written 
Tracts,  more  attention  should  be  given  to  the  subject  by 
the  common  religious  journals  of  the  day." 

"  Wednesday,  August,  1834. — Called  on  E.W.  Baldwin 
to  see  the  minutes  of  Presbytery.  He  refused  to  show 
them  to  me,  stating  they  had  not  been  approved  during  a 
session  of  more  than  thirty  days  T' 

Mr.  M'Dowall  continued  his  Journal  through  the  sum- 
mer as  he  had  done,  collecting  what  facts  he  could,  which 
made  his  labors  very  diflicult,  as  his  former  book-keeper 
left  him — and  in  the  month  of  October  he  made  a  donation 
of  his  printing  apparatus,  together  with  the  subscription 
list,  jewelry,  and  veils  he  received,  as  donations  to  the 
Moral  Reform  Society,  with  an  intention  of  going  to 
Europe.     His  mind  had  long  been  intent  on  that  object, 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  235 

as  one  of  great  importance  in  the  work  in  which  he  was 
engaged;  but  his  friends  importuned  him  to  defer  it  until 
another  year  at  least,  thinking  his  enemies  might  take  ad- 
vantage of  his  absence,  as  they  were  awake  to  all  his  move- 
ments. His  friends  also  wished  to  provide  a  temporary 
home  for  females  who  were  desirous  of  reforming,  and  pro- 
posed to  M' Do  wall  to  take  the  charge  of  them  for  the  winter. 

This  dreadful  task  he  did  not  refuse,  though  he  well 
knew  it  must  be  attended  with  the  most  painful  responsi- 
biJities. 

November  \Wi. — He  wrote  a  letter  to  Oneida  Institute, 
soliciting  the  aid  of  two  brethren  to  labor  as  missionaries 
among  the  degraded.    The  following  is  an  extract : 

"  Mrs.  Wm.  Green,  Jun.  of  this  city,  has  written  to  Pre- 
sident  Green  on  the  subject  of  agencies.  She  wrote  in 
behalf  of  the  Female  Moral  Reform  Society. 

"  The  Female  Moral  Reform  Society  of  New- York  wants 
two  of  the  brethren  to  come  and  spend  a  few  weeks  as 
missionaries  in  the  city. 

"  The  Society  will  give  them  their  board.  Also,  it  will 
aid  them  in  other  ways,  as  by  giving  them  clothing,  and 
perhaps  some  money. 

"  Next  year  I  propose  to  make  the  General  Refuge  one 
of  the  objects  of  my  pursuit,  and  to  give  towards  its  erection 
all  the  funds  I  can,  taking  merely  enough  to  print  a  paper 
for  the  subscribers. 

•'  The  Refuge,  or  Asylum,  is  one  grand  object  that  must 
be  accomplished. 

"  We  want  all  the  money  we  can  secure,  to  justify  us  to 
proceed  in  the  work.  The  work  mtist  prosper.  Will 
God  withhold  his  blessing  1 

"  Without  a  large  asylum  we  cannot  establish  an  exten- 
sive and  efficient  mission  among  the  city  poor  and  the  city 
profligate. 

''  I  add,  if  two  brethren  will  come  to  the  city  and  be 
missionaries  for   the  New- York  Female  Moral  Reform 


236  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

Society,  that  they  will  probably  board  with  me.  The  So- 
ciety is  not  able  to  do  much  for  them,  but  it  will  remem- 
ber them,  and  secure  them  some  aid  from  other  benevolent 
societies  in  the  city.  High  hopes  must  not  be  excited  in 
their  minds;  but  I  do  sincerely  hope  that,  at  the  least, 
two  of  them  will  come  and  be  magdalen  missionaries  for 
a  few  weeks. 

"  Please  to  WTite  me  immediatel3s  and  tell  me  whether 
anv  of  them  will  come.  Yours, 

*' J.  R.  ]\rDowALL." 

The  foregoing  letter  was  favorably  answered,  and  two 
young  men,  Mr.  Barber  and  Mr.  Foote,  were  appointed  to 
the  mission.  The  labors  of  that  winter  were  marked  with 
deep  interest.  Mr.  M'Dowall,  alive  to  ev.ery  movement 
that  could  give  an  impetus  to  the  cause,  accompanied  them 
(when  possible)  from  house  to  house,  warning  and  entreat- 
ing, as  had  been  his  uniform  practice  for  preceding  years. 
His  time  was  necessarily  much  occupied  at  home  with 
those  abandoned  ones  who  had  expressed  a  desire  to  turn 
from  the  evil  of  their  ways,  but  many  of  whom  gave  sad 
proof  that  their  hearts  were  fully  set  in  them  to  do  evil. 
His  rigid  discipline  kept  them  in  due  subordination  when 
he  was  present.  The  word  of  God  and  prayer  were  his 
weapons,  and  these  were  in  constant  exercise. 

On  each  Sabbath  morning,  those  who  desired  the  pri- 
vilege convened  at  his  house,  and  spent  an  hour  or  more 
in  prayer  and  exhortation,  but  principally  in  reading  the 
Scriptures.  In  the  latter  the  abandoned  were  all  required 
to  join.  These  were  solemn  and  interesting  occasions, 
occasions  on  which  the  guilty  sinner  trembled,  while 
M'Dowall  "reasoned  of  death  and  a  judgment  to  come," 
and  the  believer  felt  his  awful  responsibility  and  past  cri- 
minal neglect,  that  he  had  so  long  left  this  untiring 
«postle  to  labor  alone. 

When  these  exercises  closed,  as  many  as  v>'ere  willing 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  237 

went  out  in  companieis,  with  the  word  of  life  in  their 
hands,  and  visited  the  abode  of  her  whose  '•  house  leadeth 
down  to  the  chambers  of  death;"  but  not  till  after  the 
most  solemn  charge  had  been  given  by  M'Dowall,  to  see 
to  it  that  all  had  "  pure  hearts  and  clean  hands."  Never 
till  then  had  the  labors  of  Mr.  M'Dowall  been  appreci- 
ated, even  by  his  friends — never  till  then  had  the  extent  of 
the  evil  been  felt;  and  though  appeal  after  appeal  had  been 
made — though  long  and  loud  had  the  sound  been  sent 
forth,  that  the  tide  of  pollution  was  overspreading  the  cit}^ 
yet  few  believed,  and  these  few  had  not  yet  put  forth  that 
exertion  which  a  living  faith  would  have  prompted  them  to 
do.  The  efforts  of  this  winter  fully  confirmed  M'Dowall  in 
his  belief,  that  prevention  is  the  only  remedy  that  will 
effectually  remove  the  evil.  He  says,  like  the  temperance 
cause,  a  few  may  be  saved  from  the  ranks  of  the  drunkard, 
but  the  vacancies  will  speedily  be  filled  by  new  subjects ; 
so  in  this,  a  few  outcasts  may  gladly  embrace  the  offer  of 
a  retreat  from  their  wretched  condition,  but  this  can  never 
dry  up  the  fountain. 

Concerning  the  labors  of  this  winter,  Mr.  Barber  writes  : 

Trot,  May  28,  1837. 

"  You  requested  me  to  furnish  you  with  any  information 
that  may  be  interesting  to  the  public,  respecting  that  de- 
voted apostle  of  Moral  Reform,  the  Rev.  J.  R.  M'Dowall. 
I  am  grateful  for  the  privilege  of  recording  my  name 
among  the  friends  of  that  departed  saint.  Long  live  his 
memory,  for  his  works  can  never  perish.  To  know  him 
was  to  love  him,  and  those  loved  him  most  who  knew  him 
best.  When  a  man  became  acquainted  with  him,  the 
charges  brought  against  him  became  as  idle  tales,  while 
he  would  pity  the  ignorance  of  some  and  blush  with  shame 
for  others  who  were  engaged  in  traducing  his   character. ' 

"  In  the  fall  of  1833,  though  a  stranger  to  him  personal- 
ly, 1  yielded  to  strong  solicitations,  and  became  an  agent  to 
present  the  cause  of  Moral  Reform,  and  to  obtain  subscri- 


238  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

berg  for  his  Journal.  Though  it  was  entirely  new  for  a 
public  audience  to  be  addressed  from  the  long-neglected 
seventh  commandment  of  God,  yet  I  have  never  seen  as- 
semblies more  solemn  or  attentive  than  when  listening  to 
an  exhibition  of  its  principles.  I  found  many  warm  friends 
not  only  to  the  cause  and  the  Journal,  but  also  to  M' Dow- 
all  personally.  The  efforts  that  were  then  making  to  im- 
peach his  character  seemed  to  inspire  confidence  in  him, 
and  excite  to  still  greater  self  denial  to  sustain  him.  I 
never  took  up  collections  nor  insisted  on  donations,  but 
frequently  received  money  from  individuals,  who  uni- 
formly gave  instructions  to  have  it  go  directly  to  M' Dow- 
all.     At  the  close  of  one  meeting  in  the  town  of  F , 

county  of  D ,  I  saw  a  modestly  attired  female  with  a 

young  man,  whom  I  afterwards  learned  was  her  brother, 
lingering  behind  the  crowd.  Just  as  a  fellow-laborer  and 
myself  were  leaving  the  door,  she  placed  in  my  hand  a 
little  paper  neatly  folded,  the  contents  of  which  she  said 
she  wished  to  go  directly  to  Mr.  M'Dowall,  to  be  used  as 
he  thought  fit.  She  paid  another  dollar,  and  became  a  sub- 
scriber for  his  Journal.  When  we  opened  the  paper  to 
examine  the  freewill  offering,  we  found  the  sum  of  thirty 
dollars,  which  money,  we  were  told,  was  probably  obtained 
by  her  for  teaching  a  district  school.  Surely  she  had  con- 
fidence in  his  labors,  and  wished  to  be  a  sharer  in  his  toil. 
"  I  left  the  field  in  the  spring  of  1834,  deeply  impressed 
with  the  propriety  and  importance  of  the  eflbrts  then  mak- 
ing to  correct  public  morals.  Licentiousness  had  scattered 
its  pestiferous  influence  through  every  village  and  neigh- 
borhood that  could  be  heard  of.  Tale  after  tale  of  disgrace 
and  suffering  had  been  listened  to,  until  it  was  difiicult  to 
contemplate  fallen  human  nature  w^ith  other  feelings  than 
perfect  disgust.  The  Bible  was  treated  by  many  as  a  book 
of  vulgarisms,  detached  parts  only  of  which  were  fit  to 
be  read  in  religious  assemblies.    The  pulpit  made  its  obei- 


REV.    JOHN     R.    M  DOWALL.  239 

sance  to  public  sentiment,  and  the  vile  profligate  sat  under 
its  shadow  unrebuked. 

"  The  friends  of  purit}',  (and  thanks  be  to  God  there  were 
some  such,)  who  had  become  informed  of  M'Dowall's 
plans  and  acquainted  with  his  Journal,  were  his  friends, 
while  his  enemies  were  generally  ill-informed,  or  acknow- 
ledged to  be  licentious. 

"  In  the  fall  of  1834  arrangements  were  m.ade  for  a  good 
brother  and  myself  to  spend  the  winter  in  New- York,  to 
labor  as  city  missionaries  for  the  Female  Moral  Reform 
Society.  Soon  after  arriving  there,  we  found  ourselves  at 
the  house  of  Mr.  M' Do  wall,  27  Mott-street.  He  then 
lived  in  a  house  hired  by  the  Female  Moral  Reform  Socie- 
ty, and  occupied  as  a  temporary  refuge  for  the  returning 
daughters  of  sorrow  and  disgrace.  Every  thing  within 
bore  marks  of  great  simplicity  and  economy.  No  highly 
burnished  furniture,  ornamental  paintings,  fashionable  ta- 
ble-lamps, or  Turkey  carpets.  Here,  for  the  first  time,  I 
was  introduced  to  the  Rev.  J.  R.  jMT)owall.  I  met  him 
not  as  a  stranger,  but  as  a  brother  beloved.  As  might  be 
expected,  but  little  time  passed  before  we  entered  into  a  free 
and  full  interchange  of  feelings  respecting  the  cause  for 
the  prosperity  of  which  he  had  suffered  and  labored,  wept 
and  prayed,  for  years. 

*'  Though  he  esteemed  the  missionary  effort  important, 
and  a  refuge  necessary  to  make  the  operation  perfect,  yet 
his  main  hope  was  in  prevention.  He  had  labored  with 
much  solicitude  to  reclaim  abandoned  females  for  years, 
almost  in  vain.  He  had  seen  them  promise  well  for 
weeks  and  months,  and  then,  "  like  a  dog  to  his  vomit,  or  a 
sow  to  her  wallowing,"  return  to  their  sins,  until  his  hope 
in  this  department  had  perished.  He  had  abandoned  the 
idea  that  any  thing  but  temporary  and  extremely  limited 
advantages  could  be  obtained  from  any  measure  short  of 
reaching  the  public  mind.  Of  the  justness  of  this  conclu- 
sion no  well-informed  friend  of  moral  purity  can  for  a 


240  MEMOIR    or    THE 

moment  doubt.  As  well  might  a  few  buckets  of  water  he 
dipt  from  the  ocean,  with  a  view  of  drying  up  the  streams 
that  flow  into  it,  as  to  think  of  checking  licentiousness  by 
reforming  a  few  of  its  ruined  victims.  The  city,  like  the 
ocean,  is  a  great  reservoir,  into  which  very  many  exceed- 
ingly filthy  streams,  leading  far  back  into  the  country,  are 
continually  emptying  their  polluted  waters.  How  can 
this  ocean  be  cleansed,  unless  these  streams  are  traced 
backward  to  their  heads,  and  the  healing  waters  of  life 
poured  into  their  fountains  ?  M'Dowall  saw  no  other  way, 
for  truth  had  never  revealed  any  other. 

"  While  he  acted  according  to  the  convictions  of  his  own 
enlightened  mind,  others,  less  informed,  chose  strenuously 
to  oppose  him.  This  was  near  the  close  of  the  last  year 
of  publishing  his  Journal.  Opposition  from  those  pro- 
fessedly friendly  to  the  cause,  yet  continuing  to  advocate 
measures  which  he  had  tried  and  abandoned  as  almost  use- 
less, had  become  exceedingly  formidable.  This  weighed 
down  his  spirits.  In  addition  to  the  slanders  that  were 
continually  and  diligently  circulated  against  him,  he  felt 
that  his  means  for  publishing  his  Journal  had  been  most 
unrighteously  taken  from  him,  and  devoted  to  an  object 
foreign  from  the  design  of  the  donors.  He  was  at  this 
time  under  pecuniary  embarrassments,  and  yet  his  engage- 
ments to  the  public  for  the  two  last  numbers  of  the  Journal 
were  unfulfilled.  His  accounts  also  occasioned  him  no 
small  trouble.  From  one  cause  and  another  he  had  been 
obliged  frequently  to  change  book-keepers,  and  consequent- 
ly this  department  had  been  thrown  into  much  confusion. 
As  he  began  to  be  more  and  more  convinced  that  he 
should  be  obliged  to  resign  his  agency  for  the  public  and 
quit  the  field,  he  determined  to  bring  his  books  into  a  pro- 
per shape  for  the  inspection  of  the  public  eye. 

"  Amid  all  these  perplexing  cares  and  trials,  the  spiritual 
interests  of  those  gathered  into  the  temporary  refuge  were 
not  forgot :   neither  were  his  Bible  or  family  religion  ne- 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  241 

glected.  He  made  much  of  God's  word,  and  studied  it 
with  delight.  A  few  who  volunteered  to  spend  their 
Sabbaths  in  visiting  from  house  to  house,  distribute  Tracts, 
and  converse  with  the  wayward  sinner,  used  to  meet  at 
his  house,  at  9  o'clock  iii  the  morning,  for  social  prayer 
and  study  of  the  Scriptures.  This  was  a  season  of  great 
interest  to  him  and  benefit  to  them.  He  dwelt  frequent- 
ly upon  the  necessity  of  possessing  the  spirit  of  Christ, 
and  of  preaching  the  Gospel  to  every  creature,  though 
they  be  poor  and  wicked,  and  dwell  in  the  lanes  of  the 
city.  When  this  band  dispersed,  in  companies  of  from 
two  to  five,  for  these  self-denying  duties,  he  made  one  of 
their  number.  The  first  day  I  spent  with  them,  it  was  my 
privilege  to  be  one  of  the  company  under  his  direction. 
I  shall  never  forget  with  what  fear  and  trembling  I  ap- 
proached that  abnndoned  portion  of  the  city,  so  noted  for 
vice ;  and  how  my  blood  crawled  through  my  veins,  as  I 
entered  for  the  first  time  a  house  of  her  "  whose  way  leads 
down  to  hell."  It  was  on  Sabbath  morning;  but  her 
guests  were  there.  Bloated  faces,  blackened  eyes,  filthy 
language,  horrid  oaths,  soul-sickening  sights.  Words  are 
too  feeble  to  describe  the  scene. 

"  He  led  us  on  from  bad  to  worse,  conversing,  distribut- 
ing Tracts,  and  sometimes  praying  with  those  wretched 
beings,  until,  fatigued  and  sick  at  heart,  we  were  glad  to 
seek  the  relief  of  a  quiet  hon^e. 

••  After  witnessing  what  we  did  that  day,  no  individual 
would  be  at  a  loss  to  account  for  the  interest  M'Dowall 
took  in  the  cause  of  Moral  Reform.  Whole  streets,  for  a 
great  distance,  and  some  entire  blocks,  were  occupied  by 
these  loathsome  objects  of  impurit}^  Buildings  presenting 
a  princely  appearance  without  and  within,  down  to  under- 
ground rooms,  with  a  jug  and  glass  in  one  corner,  and  a 
pile  of  straw  in  another,  too  filthy  to  be  visited  by  any 
beings  more  decent  than  swine',  all  thronged  and  devoted 
to  this  perdition-fitting  business.  Females  who  were  edu- 
21 


242  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

cated  and  accomplished,  capabl(3  of  gracing  any  circles  in 
human  society :  and  others  too  low  to  claim  affinity  with 
the  human  family,  all  were  constantly  weaving  the  wind- 
ing-sheet of  souls,  and  year  after  year,  by  scores  and 
hundreds,  dropping  into  a  miserable  eternity  ;  while  their 
places  were  filled  with  those  who  but  yesterday  w^ere  the 
hope  and  pride  of  their  parents.  Old  men  and  young — • 
married  and  unmarried,  night  after  night,  in  multitudes, 
were  thronging  these  gateways  of  death.  Hundreds  and 
thousands  of  children  were  brought  up  in  ignorance,  sin, 
and  shame — a  disgrace  to  themselves  and  a  curse  to  the 
world.  God's  holy  Sabbaths  were  constantly  trampled 
under  foot  by  not  less  than  30,000  wretches,  who,  in  one 
way  and  another,  were  concerned  in  these  haunts  of  in- 
famy. Every  heaven-daring  wickedness  that  mortal  man 
ever  practiced  since  the  fall,  seemed  to  be  interwoven  with 
and  supported  by  licentiousness.  No  one  could  behold 
these  evils  for  a  day,  and  then  set  himself  down  for  reflec- 
tion, without  being  solemnly  impressed  with  the  impor- 
tance, yea  more,  with  the  convictions  that  imperious 
necessity  demanded  the  labors  of  J.  R.  M'Dowall.  If 
what  has  sometimes  been  said  of  his  Journal  were  true, 
we  might  have  expected  to  find  it  in  every  habitation  be- 
side these  obscene  prints :  but  the  Journal  and  the  Bible 
leach  principles  that  find  no  advocates  there.  We  found 
no  religious  periodicals  in  any  of  the  habitations  except 
one.  One  keeper  was  a  subscriber  for  the  New- York 
Observer ;  she  spoke  highly  of  the  paper,  and  kept  a  file 
of  it  for  future  reference.  But  the  more  common  reading 
of  those  who  read  at  all,  are  penny  papers,  and  fictions,  or 
infidel  books. 

"  When  these  characters  determine  on  reformation,  and 
are  brought  into  one  community  for  that  purpose,  with 
constitutions  broken,  judgments  impaired,  tempers  irritable, 
principles  destroyed,  and  passions  sometimes  raging  like 
u  furious  tempest,  the  government  of  theiu  is  no  easy  task. 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'doWALL.  243 

!t  requires  a  familiar  acquaintance  with  human  nature, 
great  patience,  and  much  decision  of  character,  to  manage 
them  with  success^  Few  persons  have  succeeded  in  this 
department  better  than  jVrDowall.  His  measures  were 
mild  and  conciliatory,  but  his  government  was  decided. 
When  any  difficuhy  arose  that  required  his  attention,  busi- 
ness must  be  laid  aside,  and  the  case  must  undergo  a 
thorough  examination.  His  law  was  the  word  of  God, 
and  in  the  light  of  that  he  administered  reproof  This 
done,  all  m.ust  kneel  down,  when  he  would  confess  the 
particular  sin,  and  implore  the  mercy  of  heaven  upon  the 
offender.  Such  seasons  w^ere  always  profitable ;  they  were 
frequently  attended  with  weeping  and  confession,  and 
rarely  ever  failed  to  produce  the  desired  effect.  He  was 
esteemed  by  them  as  a  father  and  friend,  when  they  had 
been  cast  off  by  all  others.  Though  overcome  by  former 
habits,  or  sinking  under  a  sense  of  their  fallen  condition, 
too  many  of  them  returned  to  their  former  shame ;  yet  they 
always  remembered  M' Do  wall  ;  they  would  defend  him 
against  slander,  and  frequently  shed  tears  at  the  mention 
of  his  name  and  remembrance  of  his  kindness. 

"  This  man  of  God  was  ready  to  take  advantage  of  every 
circumstance,  and  improve  every  opportunity,  to  benefit  or 
reclaim  these  self-ruined  immortals. 

*'  One  evening,  as  he  was  returning  from  the  toils  of  the 
day  to  the  bosom  of  his  family,  he  had  occasion  to  pass 
one  of  those  corners  where  '  passengers  are  called  who 
go  right  on  their  ways ;'  a  woman  took  him  b}'-  the  arm, 
and  as  he  did  not  appear  to  be  frightened  at  her  rudeness, 
she  proposed  that  he  accompany  her  into  a  neighboring 
street,  where  preparations  would  be  made  for  herself  and 
her  paramour.  *  He  knew  that  the  dead  were  there,  and 
that  her  guests  are  in  the  depths  of  hell.'  '  No,'  said  he, 
*  I  am  going  up  into  Mott-street ;  a  woman  keeps  a  house 
up  there  that  I  visit  every  night.'  She  saw  he  w^as  decided  ; 
and,  not  understandinor  that  he  referred  to  his  own  house, 


244  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

but  still  in  hopes  of  accomplishing  her  designs,  she  decided 
to  accompany  him.  A  moment  or  two  passed,  and  they 
mounted  the  steps,  rang  the  bell,  and  he  was  welcomed, 
with  an  accustomed  smile,  to  his  own  quiet  home.  Such 
manifestations  of  kindness,  under  certain  circumstances, 
was  familiar  to  his  new  acquaintance,  and  excited  no  sus- 
picion on  her  part  but  what  all  things  were  working  to- 
gether to  accomplish  the  consummation  of  her  own  designs. 
As  the  door  closed  behind  them  M'Dowall  dropped  upon 
his  knees,  and  in  a  most  solemn  manner  spread  out  before 
the  Lord  the  shameful  business  she  was  pursuing,  and 
awful  guilt  of  her  polluted  heart.  At  first  she  stood  con- 
founded, then,  trembling,  fell  upon  her  face  and  wept,  while 
he  continued  to  pray  God  to  have  mercy  on  her  soul. 

"  She  proved  to  be  a  well-informed,  v/ell-educated  young 
woman,  the  daughter  of  wealthy  and  respectable  parents. 
She  resolved  on  reformation,  and  remained  with  the  fa- 
mily some  days  with  that  intention  ;  but,  it  is  to  be  feared^ 
finally  returned  to  fill  up  her  cup  of  sin  and  sink  to  wo. 

"  Another  incident  occured  while  he  was  connected  with 
the  temporary  refuge  in  Molt-street,  that  excited  some  in- 
terest with  a  few  acquainted  with  the  facts  at  the  time. 

"A  stranger  called  at  the  door  one  evening,  who  claimed 
to  be  the  husband  of  one  of  the  inmates  of  the  Asylum, 
and  demanded  admittance.  He  was  told  that  strangers 
could  not  be  allowed  that  privilege  without  the  consent  of 
the  managers.  He  left  with  threatenings  and  curses,  de- 
claring he  would  have  the  privilege  if  he  had  to  obtain  it 
by  force.  The  next  day  he  came  again,  and  having  ob- 
tained permission,  was  admitted  into  the  house.  The 
young  woman  whom  he  claimed  to  be  his  wife  reluctantly 
confessed  that  they  had  been  married  in  Philadelphia,  but 
positively  refused  to  have  any  thing  to  say  to  him;  or  even 
see  him.  He  swore  he  would  see  her.  M'Dowall  had 
provided  himself  with  a  large  cane,  which  he  usually 
carried  to  assist  him  in  walking,  on  account  of  a  lame- 


REV.    JOHN    R.    SI  1>0\VALL»  245 

ness  with  which  he  was  afflicted;  with  this  in  his  hand, 
he  stood  up  before  him,  expostulated  with,  and  rebuktd 
him  for  the  wicked  spirit  which  he  manifested.  The 
young-  man  afterwards  informed  him  that  Jie  then  sat 
with  his  hand  upon  the  head  of  a  pocket-pistol,  with  which 
he  had  determined  to  clear  his  way,  if  such  a  thing  were 
necessary  to  carry  his  purposes  into  effect ;  but,  said  he,  I 
feared  that  hickory  cane.  Before  he  left,  the  raging  tem^ 
pest  became  calm,  and  M'Dowall  commended  him  to  the 
mercy  of  God  in  prayer.  He  was  told  that  at  some  future 
time,  if  his  wife  chose  it,  he  could  see  her.  As  his  calls 
were  repeated,  he  became  more  and  more  mild  in  his  man- 
ner, and  sometimes  appeared  deeply  affected  by  the  truth* 
One  evening,  while  walking  with  M'Dowall,  he  drew 
from  his  pocket  a  large  knife  and  threw  it  into  the  street^ 
saying,  "  There,  1  will  not  be  tempted  with  you  any  more." 
No  questions  were  asked,  and  we  were  left  to  draw  our  own 
conclusions.  His  wife,  for  whom  he  manifested  much  af- 
fection, finally  consented  to  an  interview  with  him,  in  pre- 
sence of  the  family.  He  treated  her  with  great  kindness, 
made  her  a  number  of  presents,  and  cheerfully  consented 
that  she  should  remain  under  the  protection  of  M'Dowall^ 
whom  he  thanked  again  and  again  for  his  kindness  to 
her,  and  his  faithfulness  to  him. 

*'  His  stay  in  New- York  was  short,  as  he  was  an  officer 
of  a  vessel  that  soon  left  port.  But  he  departed,  leaving 
evidence  behind  him  that  he  had  not  been  labored  with  in 
vain.  His  last  Sabbath  in  town  was  spent  in  missionary 
labor — talking  and  praying  among  those  with  whom,  a 
few  days  before,  he  had  been  treading  the  ways  of  death. 

*'  The  length  of  my  communication  admonishes  me  to 
■close.  I  must  yield ;  but  permit  me  to  say  in  conclusion, 
the  Rev.  J.  R.  M'Dowall  was  a  remarkable  man.  He  had 
faults,  but  they  were  much  fewer  than  most  christians'. 
He  had  virtues,  and  they  will  shine  brighter  in  his  death 
than  they  were  permitted  to  in  his  life.  He  had  enemies, 
21* 


246 


MEMOIR    OF    THE 


and  may  have  still:  the  Lord  judge  between  him  and 
them.  He  came  on  the  stage  when  licentiousness  was 
increasing  at  a  fearful  rate ;  when  the  pulpit  was  muffled, 
speech  suppressed,  and  the  seventh  commandment  was  a 
dead  letter.  He  lived  to  see  licentiousness  checked,  the 
pulpit  to  some  extent  throw  off  her  shackles,  speech  ele- 
vate its  voice  against  impurity,  the  seventh  commandment 
experience  a  glorious  resurrection,  hundreds  and  thou- 
sands respond  to  his  call,  *come  up  to  the  help  of  the  Lord 
and  plead  for  reform.' 

"  Yours,  with  respect, 

"Philander  Barbour." 


In  May,  1835,  Mr.  M'Dowall  gave  up  the  house  in 
Mott-street.  The  girls,  by  the  advice  of  the  Moral  Reform 
Society,  were  sent  to  the  Benevolent  Society,  and  he  re- 
moved for  a  few  weeks,  to  adjust  his  affairs,  expecting  to 
spend  most  of  the  summer  in  traveling.* 

June,  1835. — He  wrote  the  following  address  to  the  la- 
dies of  the  Moral  Reform  Society,  signed  by  nineteen  other 
gentlemen ; 

*  One  great  object  in  visiting  the  country,  which  was  much  on  his 
mind,  was  to  ascertain  as  much  as  possible  the  extent  to  which  ob- 
scene prints  had  been  circulated.  His  soul  abhorred  them,  as  the 
following  bears  testimony : 

Rev.  W.A.  Hallock,  Corresponding  Secretary  American  Tract  Society. 

Dear  Sir, — As  a  life  member  of  the  American  Tract  Society,  I 
request  that  my  name  may  be  erased  from  the  list  of  its  life  members, 
provided  the  Society  persevere  in  publishing  and  circulating  such 
pictures  as  those  in  the  recent  work  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Gallaudet.  If 
these  prints  are  chaste,  then  there  is  no  possibility  of  defining  what 
prints  are  not  chaste.  Respectfully, 

J.  R.  M'Dowall. 

New-York,  June  7tb,  1835. 


BEV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  247 

'To  the  JSTeic-York  Female  Moral  Reform  Society, 

Ladies, — Our  interest  in  the  cause  you  advocate,  and  a 
sense  of  duty,  impel  us  to  express  to  you,  in  a  respectful 
manner,  in  writing,  these  our  sentiments  on  the  subject  of 
missionary  labors  contemplated  by  your  Society.  With 
prayer  to  God  we  have  desired  that  the  best  plan  might 
be  adopted  to  execute  this  work.  It  is  not  hasty,  nor  from 
immature  thought,  nor  from  sinister  motives,  but  from  facts 
found  in  the  experience  and  observation  of  ourselves  and 
others,  particularly  of  the  prophets  and  apostles,  and  of 
every  church,  we  have  come  to  the  deliberate  conclusion, 
that,  except  in  peculiar  cases,  it  is  highly  improper  and 
dangerous  for  any  man,  as  an  exclusive  missionary  to  the 
abandoned,  to  visit  from  house  to  house  alone,  or  to  labor 
at  random  and  irregularly  in  a  large  field.  Such  desultory 
and  extended  efforts  can  never  consummate  the  work.  Be- 
sides, it  is  not  a  wise  and  useful  way  to  expend  money, 
time,  strength,  mind,  and  moral  power. 

We  would  recommend  a  system  of  missions  that  will 
bring  to  bear  on  the  vicious  population  such  an  amount  of 
influence  as  to  compel  them  to  abandon  their  evil  ways 
and  turn  unto  the  Lord,  or  to  flee  away  from  the  city.  This 
result  can  be  obtained  only  by  a  direct,  daily,  uninter- 
rupted, combined  missionary  effort,  bearing  exclusively 
on  an  isolated  spot,  and  upon  spot  after  spot,  each  spot 
having  its  own  separate  missionary  band,  until  all  the 
waste  places  of  the  city  shall  be  under  culture.  What 
Gospel  minister,  who  is  wise  to  save  souls  of  his  charge, 
would  expect  to  see  sinners  converted  from  the  error  of 
their  ways  by  selecting  from  all  the  sinners  in  his  parish 
a  few  profligate  females  to  preach  to  ? 

Would  that  be  fulfilling  Christ's  command,  to  teach  and 
evangelize  every  creature? 

Without  further  remark,  w^e  would  beg  leave  to  recom- 
mend that  you  will  enter  into  such  an  arrangement  as  will 


24S  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

carry  into  speedy  operation  the  only  plan  that  can  do  the 
blessed  work  you  have  undertaken,  and  that  you  will  in- 
struct your  missionaries  accordingly. 

The  plan  which  we  propose  is  the  following :  viz.  ap- 
portion that  part  of  the  city  bounded  north  by  Leonard- 
street,  east  by  Orange-street,  south  by  Anthony-street,  and 
west  by  Centre-street,  to  not  less  than  two  individuals,  and 
let  that  be  the  spot  upon  which  they  shall,  in  going  from 
house  to  house,  preaching  to  and  praying  for  their 
wretched  inmates,  bear  all  their  missionary  influence  in 
the  day-time  and  in  the  night. 

Also,  apportion  to  another  missionary  company  of  not 
less  than  two  persons,  another  station,  bounded  by  given 
streets;  and  apportion  station  after  station  to  missionary 
bands,  each  band  being  of  not  less  than  two  persons,  until 
you  have  filled  the  field  with  reapers  to  gather  in  the 
harvest. 

Also,  let  there  be  a  missionary  house  in  the  centre  of 
the  field,  where  all  the  missionary  bands  may  meet  every 
morning  for  prayer  and  consultation,  before  they  enter  on 
their  labors ;  and  to  which  house  they  may  direct  such 
erring,  penitent  women,  as  may  request  help  at  their  hands. 

Let  each  missionary  band,  once  every  week,  give  into 
the  Society  employing  them  a  copy  of  their  diary. 

These  diaries  may  furnish  matter  for  their  paper. 
With  christian  salutations,  we  are,  &c. 

J.  R.  M'DOWALL,  J.  K.   COWPERTHWAITE, 

P.  Yas  Dyck,  H.  R.  Piercy, 

E.  A.  Lambert,  Josiaii  P.  Marquand, 

J.  M.  Diamond,  Lewis  Tappan, 

William  Brown,  J.  F.  Robinson, 

Lewis  Post,  William  Burnett, 

Simeon  S.  Joycelin,  Charles  C.  P.  Crosley, 

J.  N.  Sprague,  J.  K.  Moore, 

William  Page,  George  Cragin,  . 

A.  M.  Clay,  S.  W.  Benedict. 


REV.   JOHN   R.  mVdowall.  249 


CHAPTER  XXVr. 


Visit  to  New-Haveti  and  Litchfield— Ilia  fortune— Amalgamation 
and  purity— Sail  up  the  Hudson — Obscene  Pictures— Journal  in 
Troy. 

July  Uh,  1835. — Visited  New-Haven.  My  stay  in  this 
pleasant  town,  where  literature  and  science,  laws  and 
theology  are  taught,  must  be  very  short,  as  I  have  taken 
a  seat  in  a  stage  for  Litchfield,  and  it  goes  at  three  o'clock 
P.  M.  The  militia  are  parading  in  the  streets.  Thousands 
of  admiring  women  gaze  on  the  warlike  scene.  Joyful 
hearts  make  the  ladies  move  easily  over  the  plain.  They 
seem  to  approve  of  war ;  but  the  science  of  war  is  the 
organized  system  of  national  murder.  If  one  man  may 
not  rise  up  and  take  the  life  of  his  enemy  who  has  in- 
sulted him,  or  who,  by  swindling,  has  deprived  him  of 
property  justly  his  own,  then,  for  national  insult  or  plun- 
der, nation  may  not  rise  up  against  nation,  and  carry 
sword  and  fire  through  the  other's  country,  sacking 
towns,  defiouring  wives  and  daughters,  and  killing  tens 
of  thousands  of  human  beings.  Nations  have  no  right  to 
put  men  to  death  out  of  pride,  avarice,  or  malice.  Lust  is 
not  a  justifiable  cause  for  depriving  men  of  liberty,  pro- 
perty, limbs,  and  life.  Wo  unto  those  through  whom 
wars  come.  In  this  life  men  may  wear  a  conqueror's 
crovv^n,  and  on  the  page  of  history  secure  a  hero's  name, 
but  in  the  life  to  come,  if  impenitent,  be  immured  in  the 
deepest  hell. 

0  how  can  women  applaud  military  measures,  fol- 
lowed, as  they  are,  by  brutality  and  lust. 

1  left  New- Haven  at  three  o'clock  for  Litchfield,  on  the 
4tb,  and  arrived  at  midnight  the  same  day. 


~50  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

This  is  a  small  country  village.  The  Rev.  Lyman 
Beecher,  President  of  Lane  Seminary,  was  formerly  set- 
tled here.  The  ride  from  New-Haven  was  pleasant  on 
the  whole,  though  we  had  a  thunder-shower,  and  two 
drunkards  on  board  for  several  miles — not  that  their 
breath  or  conversation  was  pleasant. 

Two  black  females  entered  the  stage  at  New-Haven, 
and  left  it  about  sunset.  Uneasiness  was  manifested  by 
the  passengers  whose  lot  it  was  to  sit  by  the  side  of  the 
black  ladies.  I  oflered  to  exchange  seats  with  them  ;  they 
declined,  and  the  stage  passed  on.  The  conversation  soon 
turned  on  the  subjects  of  slavery,  colonization,  anti-slavery, 
&c.  After  a  protracted  discussion,  the  temperance  cause 
was  introduced  by  the  two  male  drunkards.  On  the  road 
Ave  saw  many  drunkards:  it  seemed  as  if  the  towns  on 
this  rout  had  mustered  all  their  drunkards  for  an  exhibi- 
tion. At  nine  o'clock  at  night  the  stage  drove  up  to  a  public- 
house,  where  there  was  a  riot — a  mob  of  some  twenty  or 
thirty  men  under  the  influence  of  strong  drink.  Before  the 
stage-driver  could  demand  his  fare,  one  of  the  drunken 
passengers,  who  had  showed  the  driver  the  fare,  but  put 
it  in  his  pocket  again,  was  out  of  sight. 

Fraud  is  the  result  of  dram-drinking.  The  man  who 
made  it,  and  the  man  Avho  sold  it,  and  the  man  who  drank 
it,  are  guilty  of  this  swindling  of  the  stage-proprietor  out 
of  his  just  due. 

On  the  Sabbath  I  heard  the  Rev.  R.  M.  Chipman,  of 
Harwinton,  Connecticut,  preach.  I  passed  the  evening 
with  him.  This  gentleman,  for  a  season,  kindly  aided  me 
in  editing  the  Journal:  it  was  part  of  the  time  while  he 
resided  in  New- York  as  one  of  the  secretaries  of  the 
American  Peace  Society,  and  editor  of  their  publication. 
Our  interview  was  very  sweet  :  the  remembrance  of 
many  of  our  mutual  trials  was  revived,  and  furnished 
topics  for  conversation.    In  mutual  friendship  our  sympa- 


REV.     JOHN     R.    M  DOWALL.  251 

thies  flowed  delightfully  till  the  hour  of  parting,  and  then 
we  separated  in  love. 

The  staf^e  is  now  standin^f  at  the  door,  and  I  must  close. 
It  is  half-past  three  in  the  morning. 

Poughkeepsie,  Sth. — The  stage-driver,  on  the  rout  be- 
tween Litchfield  and  Poughkeepsie,  confessed  he  had 
been  a  rake,  but  now  lived  virtuously  with  a  wife.  He  for- 
merly drove  a  stage  between  Patterson  and  New- York,  for 
which  he  received  825  per  month.  The  profits  he  made 
by  carrying  little  packages  and  doing  errands,  paid  his 
board.  Flis  $25  per  month  was  spent  principally  in 
the  theatres  and  brothels  of  the  city.  Then  his  gain, 
though  a  single  man,  was  less  than  it  now  is  on  $12  per 
month.  Men  seldom  reflect  that  "  strange  women  "  bring 
those  that  keep  them  to  a  morsel  of  bread. 

New-  Yo  rJc,  July  9  th,  1835. 

My  Fortuke. 

I  am  now,  for  the  first  time  in  four  years  and  nine 
months,  completely  released  from  the  cares  which  have 
borne  me  down  to  the  earth.  My  enemies  have  accused 
me  of  making  a  fortune  by  my  Journal.  In  truth,  I  am 
worth  less  to-day  than  I  was  in  1830,  the  time  when  I 
began  to  labor  in  behalf  of  Moral  Reform.  The  invento- 
ry of  my  property  shows  a  small  remnant  of  the  library 
which  1  had  in  College  and  in  the  Theological  Seminary  ; 
one  change  of  apparel,  worn  nearly  thread-bare;  two 
chairs;  my  wife's  bedding :  the  stereotype  plates  of  the 
Journal  and  of  a  few  Tracts,  and  a  small  annuity. 

I  have  no  funds  in  any  bank  on  earth,  lodged  there, 
either  in  my  own  name  or  the  name  of  any  other  person. 
All  the  money  I  have  on  hand,  and  all  I  can  command  as 
my  own,  without  a  lawsuit,  is  less  than  thirty  dollars.  I 
owe  more  than  thirty  dollars.  Owe  no  man,  is  the  doc- 
trine of  the  New  Testament.  I  must  pay  my  creditors 
every  cent.     In  my  labors  in  New-York  I  have  not,  to  my 


252  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

knowledge,  defrauded  any  nnan  or  society,  and  this  reflec- 
tion consoles  my  heart.  I  will  go  on,  taking  up  iny  cross 
to  follow  Christ,  through  evil  as  well  as  through  good 
report.  I  deserve  no  better  treatment  than  my  Master 
received. 

Amalgamation  and  Purity. 

In  theory,  many  men  are  violently  opposed  to  the  in- 
termarrying of  blacks  and  whites ;  but  these  very  men 
make  no  disturbance  about  what  is  infinitely  worse,  viz. 
the  practical  lewdness  of  white  men  with  black  women. 
Cases  in  illustration  might  be  multiplied  to  an  almost  in- 
definite number.     One  in  this  place  shall  suffice. 

A  respectable  female  member  of  the  colored  church  in 
New-Haven  states,  that  recently  she  had  occasion  to  be 
in  the  street  about  nine  o'clock  one  evening,  wliere  she 
was  in  a  very  friendly  manner  accosted  by  a  professed 
and  reputed  gentleman,  a  member  of  one  of  the  whhe 
churches  in  the  same  city.  He  assured  her  he  had  for  a 
long  time  been  desirous  of  seeing  her;  that  he  was  much 
sratiiied  to  meet  her ;  that  he  desired  her  to  act  in  the 
capacity  of  his  concubine :  and  that  he  would  liberally 
reward  her  if  she  would  comply.  Having  rejected  his 
proposals,  she  called  upon  a  friend,  whose  advice  she 
sought,  saying,  "  You  do  not  know  what  temptations, 
solicitations,  and  snares  are  laid  by  gentlemen  in  New- 
Haven,  to  lure  us  colored  women  into  licentiousness. 
They  seek  to  take  away  our  virtue,  and  what  have 
we  left? 

The  hypocrisy  of  those  who  object  to  the  setting  of 
the  "  captive  free"  because  they  are  opposed  to  the  inter- 
marrying of  whites  and  blacks,  is  most  wicked  and 
unrighteous.  They  can  connive  at  adultery  and  forni- 
cation, but  they  cannot  endure  the  lawful  union  of  two 
persons  of  different  colors.  Freedom,  in  their  mind,  is 
associated  with  amalgamation  ;  but  they  can  see  no  amal- 
gamation growing  out  of  slavcr3%    They  see  no  quad- 


REV.    JOHN    R.    M'dOWALL.  25^ 

roonsj  they  see  no  boys  and  girls,  the  offspring  of  black 
women  and  white  men.  Oh !  abominable  !  Away  with 
the  hypocrisy  and  insincerity  of  the  objector.  It  does 
seem  as  if  this  objection  was  got  up  merely  to  excuse  or 
to  justify  the  licentious  intercourse  the  whites  keep  up 
with  the  blacks. 

If  the  white  men  must  of  necessity  have  the  society  of 
colored  females,  let  it  be  regulated  according  to  the  laws 
of  God.  Let  them  marry,  for  marriage  is  honorable  in 
all,  &c.  The  unclean  and  impure  shall  not  inherit  the 
kingdom  of  God.  I  am  an  advocate  for  chastity.  I  am 
not  the  advocate,  but  the  enemy  of  amalgamation ;  and  I 
am  opposed  to  slavery,  because  slavery  produces  amalga- 
mation Yet  if  there  must  be  an  amalgamation  of  the 
whites  and  blacks,  every  man  not  a  libertine  at  heart,  de- 
sires it  may  not  be,  as  it  now  is,  amalgamation  of  prosti- 
tution. 

New-York,  July  I3th,  1835.— Mr.  M'Dowall  writes: 
"  Poor  health.  Concluded  to  go  to  the  Theological  Insti- 
tutions in  New- York  State,  and  address  the  students  on 
the  subject  of  Moral  Reform.  My  brother  Ebenezer  con- 
sented to  accompany  me.  Prepared  for  the  journey;  boxed 
upwards  of  400  volumes  of  the  Journal  for  transportation 
to  Utica." 

Hudson  River,  July  I5th. — On  board  the  steam-boat  for 
Troy.  My  brother  purposes  to  call  and  see  an  active  min- 
ister in  Albany,  to  know  whether  he  could  not  aid  him  to 
get  up  a  church  among  poor  boatmen  in  Albany. 

On  board  the  boat  had  conversation  with  a  young  man 
who  exhibited  obscene  pictures,  which  he  said  he  obtained 
from  a  sailor ;  that  the  sailor  got  them  in  China,  and  that 
he  had  more  such  pictures. 

This  youth  lives  in  the  State  of  Maine,  seventy-five 

miles  from  the  sea-shore,  and  sailors,  natives  of  the  place 

of  his  residence,  return  there  occasionally  to  visit  their 

friends,  and  bring  licentious  books  back  to  their  native 

22 


254  MEMOIR    OF    T£1K 

town,  and  give  them  away  to  the  boys  and  young  men^ 
He  said  a  boy  in  the  store  in  which  he  was  a  clerk  ob- 
tained bad  books,  and  at  night  would  gather  around  him 
several  youths  and  read  to  them  from  his  books. 

A  Spaniard  on  board  was  exceedingly  lewd  in  his  con- 
versation. He  was  thoroughly  polluted  with  the  master- 
sin  of  sailors — lewdness. 

There  are  about  three  millions  of  sailors  visiting  their 
native  towns  at  the  close  of  almost  every  voyage,  and 
carry  to  and  spread  through  portions  of  their  native  places 
corrupt  books,  principles,  and  licentious  practices.  As 
the  navy  and  merchantmen  of  a  nation  increase,  so  in- 
creases the  number  of  seamen,  and  of  course  that  nation's 
morals,  by  the  importation  of  foreign  vices,  undergo,  in 
most  cases,  a  change  from  better  to  worse.  Facts  show 
the  importance  of  the  cause  advocated  by  the  Seamen's 
Friend  Society— the  conversion  of  sailors.  Most  of  the 
apostles  were  once  fishermen-sailors, 

Troy,  July  \7th. — Was  introduced  to  Mrs.  E.  Prescott^ 
of  Troy,  New-York.  She  is  an  officer  in  the  Moral  Re- 
form Society.  The  Society  is  about  employing  a  mission- 
ary for  one  month. 

Also  called  on  brother  Gilbert,  who  kindly  offered  lo' 
board  us  while  we  remained  in  Troy. 

Troy,  July  ISlh — D.  H.  Stone,  Esq.  informed  us  that 
there  were  about  twenty  houses  of  ill-fame,  and  about  one 
hundred  public  prostitutes  in  Troy,  and  perhaps  two  hun- 
dred  loose  women  who  consorted  with  different  men,  prin' 
cipally  servant-girls,  and  about  forty  illegitimate  births  the 
past  year.  The  population  of  Troy  is  about  14,000  persons. 
Mrs.  Williard's  celebrated  school  for  young  ladies  is  in 
this  young  city,  and  has  about  two  hundred  pupils. 

Troy,  July  19///,,  (Sunday)  1835. — Boys  were  swim- 
ming in  the  river  in  front  of  my  lodgings,  along  on  the 
docks  and  shore;  girls  and  women  passing  along  the 
streets.  This  is  a  very  indelicate  practice,  which  the  judges^ 


REV,    JOHN    R.    m'DOWALL.  255 

With  severity  ought  to  punish.  The  boys  are  liable  to  be 
fined.  The  citizens  ought  to  complain  of  them.  How  can 
parents  consent  to  let  their  daughters  walk  the  streets 
where  such  obscene  shows  are? 

In  the  afternoon  Deacon  Grant  and  Mr.  Allen  took  us 
out  to  the  Poor-house,  where  we  spake  the  words  of  truth 
and  righteousness  to  a  moiety  of  170  paupers.  D.  H. 
Stone,  Esq.  informed  us  that  many  prostitutes  had  been 
sent  there. 

This  fact  troubles  the  ladies  of  the  Moral  Reform  Socie- 
ty. They  desire  that  virtuous  paupers  and  vicious  profii- 
gfates  might  be  kept  in  different  buildings.  They  have 
greater  anxiety  for  the  children  in  the  Alms-house  than 
for  the  superannuated  poor,  lest  the  vicious  corrupt  the 
young  by  evil  communications,  and  prepare  them  for  fu- 
ture iniquitous  conduct- 
Well  may  the  benevolent  ladies  feel  an  anxiety  on  this 
account;  for  it  is  a  fact,  that  some  of  the  female  children 
have  been  at  this  poor-house  prepared,  by  evil  communica- 
tions, for  future  lewdness.  A  reclaimed  prostitute  told  me 
that  she  was  in  her  childhood  in  that  alms-house.  Her 
case  is  an  illustration  of  the  above  remarks. 

In  my  exhortation  I  dwelt  pointedly  on  the  sin  of  lewd- 
ness. One  pauper  was  much  disturbed — raised  his  hand. 
— stared  upon  me — got  up  off  his  seat,  and  went  farther 
from  me,  and  sat  down  again  staring  at  me.  I  am  fully 
convinced  that  he  is  insane — made  so  by  licentiousness. 

After  tea,  it  was  agreed  that  we  should  go  out  of  the 
city  two  miles,  to  a  Sunday  resort  of  some  of  the  city  pro- 
fligates. A  colored  woman  by  the  name  of  Thompson 
keeps  it.  The  company,  consisting  of  Deacon  Grant,  Mr. 
Allen,  and  my  brother,  arrived  at  the  place  several  mi- 
nutes before  me,  and  the  keeper  of  the  house  had  succeed- 
ed in  getting  them  into  the  chamber  before  I  arrived.  A 
respectfible  colored  family  occupy  a  part  of  the  building. 
The  rest  is  used  by  Mrs.  Thompson.     On  arriving  at  the 


256  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

place,  I  was  shown  into  the  apartment  where  my  friends 
were.  It  was  a  small  room  of  some  twelve  feet  square. 
In  one  corner  stood  a  bed,  in  another  corner  sat  an  aged 
black  woman,  ninety-nine  years  old.  The  Deacon  knew 
her  when  he  was  a  child,  and  then  she  was  an  old  wo- 
man, and  pious.  Our  company,  with  one  white  woman 
and  three  black  women,  almost  filled  the  room.  Two  black 
men  were  at  the  door.  The  aged  black  woman  said  she 
had  long  been  praying  that  God  would  send  some  pious 
people  to  the  house,  and  now  he  had  granted  her  petition. 
Mrs.  Thompson  has  the  look  of  a  fiend.  The  colored 
women's  countenances  were  very  vicious.  The  white 
woman  was  living  with  one  of  the  black  men,  to  whom  she 
was  not  married.  I  plainly  told  them  that  they  were  liv- 
ing in  sin — that  they  ought  either  to  be  married  or  imme- 
diately to  separate,  for  such  an  amalgamation  was  contrary 
to  the  law  of  God,  and  punishable  by  eternal  death.  She 
expressed  a  desire  to  reform,  but  the  man  shook  his  head 
and  said,  '•  he  did  not  know  about  that." 

Brother  Allen  saw  three  men  enter  the  room  down 
stairs,  immediately  under  us.  I  was  requested  to  invite 
them  up  stairs.  As  I  descended,  it  was  with  difficulty  I 
could  shove  open  the  stair-door,  as  they  pressed  against  it. 
At  the  side  of  it  sat  one  who,  like  a  turtle,  tried  to  draw 
his  head  under  the  collar  of  his  coat,  and  to  draw  his 
broad-brimmed  hat  so  closely  over  his  face  and  ears  as  to 
conceal  his  countenance.  The  other  two  men  walked  to- 
wards the  outer-door,  carefully  keeping  their  backs  to- 
wards me.  "  Gentlemen,"  said  I,  *'  we  have  a  prayer- 
meeting  up  stairs  ;  please  to  walk  up." 

"  We  called  for  a  drink  of  water,"  said  one. 

My  brother  also  began  to  urge  them  to  walk  up,  but 
they  excused  themselves ;  so  leaving  him  to  continue  the 
conversation,  I  returned  to  the  chamber,  and  we  knelt 
down  to  pray — praying  for  each  person  in  the  house,  and 
also  for  the  young  men  below.    Before  pyayers  were  ove  r 


REV.  JOHN   R.   m'dowall.  257 

these  white  mt^n  with  speed  made  off  towra'ds  the  woods. 
They  were  very  genteelly  dressed.  After  prayer  we  re- 
turned to  the  city.  In  the  evening,  Deacon  Grant,  Mr. 
Allen,  my  brother  and  I,  called  at  Swarthout's,  and  pray- 
ed and  conversed  with  liim,  and  with  two  females  there. 
The  reputation  of  the  house  is  bad.  The  women  were  af- 
fected, but  he  seemed  to  be  a  universalist  in  sentiment,  and 
-does  not  fear  punishment  from  God.  Several  men  were 
about  the  house,  but  we  could  not  see  the  faces  of  but  two 
ov  three  of  them. 

Troi/,  July  20lh,  1835. — There  are  about  twenty-five 
physicians  in  this  ciiy.  I  conversed  with  one,  who  told 
me  he  had  about  150  cases  in  a  year  of  diseased  patients  by 
^he  sin  of  lewdness.  Country  merchants  who  have  visited 
New- York,  sometimes  apply  to  him — has  had  cases  of 
boys  not  more  than  fourteen  years  old — a  due  proportion 
•of  professors  of  religion  were  in  the  number.  About  half 
■of  the  whole  number  are  from  the  country,  a  distance  of 
■from  five  to  twenty-five  miles.  One  physician  told  me  he 
^lwa3'S  turned  away  such  patients  and  would  have  nothing 
to  do  with  them.  Boatmen  apply  to  New- York  physi- 
cians. Some  go  to  Albany  for  help.  Clerks  and  appren- 
tices, most  of  whom  were  brought  up  in  the  country,  form 
a  large  number  of  these  cases.  On  a  Sabbath-day,  as  he 
w'as  passing  a  notorious  house  of  infamy,  he  saw  nineteen 
young  men  go  into  it  in  ten  minutes  by  his  watch.  One 
iialf  of  his  patients  are  married  men.  He  knows  a  mem- 
ber of  a  christian  church  criminal  in  procuring  abortions. 
What  a  sad  picture  this  presents  for  our  contemplation  ! 
O  for  a  sanctification  of  the  thoughts,  desires,  and  pur- 
poses of  mankind  !  Truly,  the  depravity  of  human  nature 
is  complete.  On  suck  iniquity  God  may  justly  frown; 
^nd  respecting  its  doers,  declare  that  they  shall  not  inherit 
the  kingdom  of  God.     Hypocrites  in  the  church  ! 

Troy,  July  2  Is^.— Called  on  another  physician.  He 
•said  that  young  men  generally  speak  disrespectfully  of 
22* 


258  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

moral  reform.  That  most  young  men  are  lewd — thst 
lewdness  is  more  prevalent  among  the  highest  and  lowest 
classes  of  society — more  virtue  in  the  middle  class.  Some 
of  his  patients  were  from  a  distance  of  fifty  miles  in  the 
country,  and  that  probably  one  half  of  such  persons  apply 
not  to  physicians,  but  to  apothecaries.  He  said  that  the 
Irish  are  more  chaste  than  the  native  Americans.  An 
Irishman  told  him  that  the  priests  represented  lewdness  as 
a  sin  against  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Another  physician  states,  that  he  is  young  in  the  prac- 
tice of  medicine,  and  considers  it  difficult  to  obtain  correct 
information  on  the  subject.  Harlots  seldom  apply  to  phy- 
sicians— knows  two  who  took  poison  to  kill  themselves. 
Some  physicians  are  in  the  habit  of  advertising  for  such 
patients,  but  knows  of  none  who  do  it  in  Troy. 

Another  physician,  who  had  practiced  in  a  country 
town,  said  he  had  had  such  patients  there,  and  such  in 
Troy,  but  was  unwilling  to  state  the  number — did  not 
wish  to  state  facts,  hut  was  willing  to  give  a  general 
statement — had  known  deaths  produced  by  the  disease, 
and  that  the  practice  of  the  principal  house  of  that  kind  in 
the  city  amounted  to  $400  a  year. 

Another  said  that  such  practices  had  been  carried  on 
ever  since  the  fall,  and  always  would  be  ;  that  it  cannot 
be  helped  ;  that  if  he  should  say  any  thing  to  his  son  on 
the  subject  it  would  be  likely  to  drive  him  into  the  prac- 
tice. He  had  preached  with  as  much  spirit  on  the  sub- 
ject as  any  one,  and  had  found  it  all  nonsense.  In  spite 
of  us  there  is  no  remedy — he  has  had  too  much  expe- 
rience to  be  led  into  any  notions  of  reform.  M'Dov/alFs 
Journal  had  made  hundreds  of  lewd  men,  by  being  a  di- 
rectory to  bad  houses — that  men  had  told  him  so.  He 
closed  by  saying,  your  plan  is  visionary — you  had  better 
let  it  alone. 

This  man  is  not  candid.  His  assertions  deserve  no 
credence,  and  the  only  reason  why  I  record  his  remarks, 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  259 

is  that  I  may  give  a  faithful  record,  exhibiting  facts  as 
they  are. 

Another  physician  said  that  lewd  persons  were  shy  of 
him — had  occasionally  a  solitary  case,  and  that  generally 
in  the  jail.  The  licentious  ought  to  be  branded.  Lewd- 
ness ought  to  be  a  penal  offence  and  punished  by  law,  on 
the  same  principle  that  counterfeiters,  robbers,  and  pirates, 
are  punished  for  their  offences  against  the  order,  peace, 
property,  morals,  and  lives  of  citizens.  But  he  thought 
there  was  some  force  in  the  remark  of  a  distinguished 
citizen  in  Troy,  viz.  that  it  is  dangerous  to  the  purity  of 
youth  to  tell  the  number  of  public  prostitutes  ;  such  infor- 
mation will  make  more ;  that  facts  ought  not  to  be  pub- 
lished ;  that  all  efforts  to  remedy  the  vice  ought  to  be 
made  in  a  private  way.  I  replied,  that  a  disease  grows 
worse  by  concealing  it,  and  that  the  diseased  parts  afTect 
the  neighboring  healthy  ones,  until  the  whole  system  is 
corrupted,  and  that  what  in  this  respect  is  true  of  physics, 
is  also  true  of  morals,  that  to  this  all  sound  reasoners 
agree.  God  will  sift  out  and  expose  to  everlasting  con- 
tempt the  workers  of  iniquity ;  and  say  ye  to  the  wicked, 
it  shall  be  ill  with  him,  for  the  reward  of  his  hands  shall 
be  given  him. 

Troy,  July  22d. — A  physician  told  me  to-day  he  had 
less  practice  in  this  disease  than  some  others ;  has  proba- 
bly 30  in  a  year ;  has  had  professional  and  married  men, 
in  as  high  standing  for  moral  reputation  as  any  in  the  com- 
munity, among  his  patients.  Many  employ  physicians  in 
Albany  and  New-York,  and  many  apply  to  apothecaries. 
Before  he  will  do  any  thing  for  such  a  patient,  he  must 
pay  in  advance  not  less  than  ten  dollars.  Lewd  persons 
are  a  faithless  set,  and  not  apt  to  pay  at  all  unless  they 
pay  beforehand.  Thinks  the  vice  is  as  common  among 
young  men  as  drunkenness,  for  nearly  every  drunkard  is 
lewd ;  and  some  are  lewd  who  are  not  in  the  habit  of 
wsing  ardent   spirit.     The  highest  class  of  men  are  the 


2G0  MEM03R    OF    TK£ 

most  licentious ;  has  no  doubt  but  D.  H.  Stone*  Esq.  is 
correct  in  his  statements ;  and  that  lewdness  is  a  ruinous 
and  extensive  evil,  and  ought  to  be  put  away. 

Another  physician  said  that  the  evil  was  notorious — is 
winked  at — has  no  doubt  that  cases  multiply  as  the  popu* 
lation  of  the  city  increases.  Believes  that  the  whole  of 
the  Magdalen  Report  is  founded  on  fact;  is  willing  to 
stake  his  medical  character  that  those  editors  who  oppose 
moral  reform  have  been  or  are  licentious  ;  and  that  those 
ministers  who  oppose  the  reform,  do  it  because  they  are 
afraid  their  own  former  dark  deeds  may  come  to  the  light ; 
to  prevent  which  they  oppose  the  doctrine  that  facts  ought 
to  be  published  as  the  remedy.  And  God  gives  them  up 
to  hardness  of  heart ;  and  it  is  a  fearful  fact,  that  their  af- 
fections are  undergoing  a  hardening  process.  Virtuous 
Vv-omen,  through  ignorance,  may  be  opposed  to  the  publica- 
tion of  facts ;  but  facts  must  be  told— they  are  the  remedy, 
and  the  remedy  must  be  applied.  It  is  his  candid  opinion, 
that  about  every  young  man  not  a  professor  of  religion, 
and  whose  moral  principles  are  not  well  established,  is 
lewd ;  and  that  lewd  young  men  are  no  more  fit  to  associ- 
ate with  virtuous  young  women,  than  Satan  is.  He  pities 
the  women  who  either  ignorantly  or  willfully  associate 
with  such  base  fellows.  He  says  he  has  no  doubt  but 
some  are  in  the  church. 

A  gentleman  being  present  while  the  Doctor  was 
speaking,  said  that  one  of  the  reclaimed  prostitutes  inform^ 
ed  the  Moral  Reform  Society  that  in  one  night  from  fifteen 
to  twenty  lads,  some  from  the  first  femilies  in  Troy,  came 
to  the  house  where  she  staid,  but  that  the  keeper,  through 
fear  of  being  indicted,  did  not  admit  the  boys  from  the  first 
families. 

This  physician  stated  further,  that  men  who  are  lewd 
before  marriage,  it  is  reasonable  to  suppose,  are  lewd  after 
marriage.  Medical  clerks  had  robbed  his  drawers,  and 
he  believed  it  was  a  common  thing  among  clerks  to  take 
their  employers'  money  and  spend  it  in  licentiousness. 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  261 

He  heard  a  minister  in  Troy  publicly  oppose  the  course 
pursued  by  M'Dowall's  Journal,  and  wonders  how  he 
could  do  it  without  an  utter  abandonment  of  his  principles 
— principles  that  authorize  him  to  lift  up  his  voice  like  a 
trumpet  to  show  the  people  their  sins. 

Another  physician  did  not  know  what  to  say  about 
M'Dowall's  Journal;  it  was  a  delicate  subject — various 
opinions  respecting  it.  He  has  had  boys  under  medical 
treatment  of  fifteen  years  of  age.  Young  men  are  not  so 
lewd  as  old  men  are. 

Troy,  July  2?>d. — D.  H.  Stone,  Esq.  estimates  the  an- 
nual expenses  paid  by  the  one  hundred  lewd  women  for 
bail-bonds,  and  in  criminal  prosecutions,  at  $250.  The 
criminal  expenses  paid  by  the  public  in  criminal  prosecu- 
tions for  breaches  of  the  peace  and  other  offences,  in  which 
fees  are  allowed  to  the  Grand  Jury,  District  Attorney, 
Justices  of  the  Peace,  Clerk  of  the  Court,  Sheriff,  consta- 
bles, gaoler,  and  board  of  arrested  persons — of  convicts 
at  .  -  .  -  -       $500  00 

Increase  poor  tax  at  -  -  500  00 


Total,  -  -  -       $1250  00 

This  estimate,  twelve  hundred  and  fifty  dollars,  he  says 
is  positively  less  than  the  sum  expended ;  and  that  it  is 
best  to  state  the  matter  as  he  gives  it,  for  people  would 
reject  the  whole  as  false  if  the  exact  truth  w^ere  published. 

Troy,  July  2ith. — To-day  a  physician  told  me  he  thinks 
the  temperance  effort  has  promoted  chastity  in  Troy,  and 
perhaps  also  moral  reform  measures.  He  used  to  have 
from  four  to  six  patients  in  a  day,  and  then  perhaps  not 
another  in  a  week.  The  number  is  now  lessened.  He 
believes  that  a  knowledge  of  facts  has  a  restraining  influ- 
ence upon  the  inordinate  desires  of  the  flesh  and  mind. 
To  him  a  prostitute,  however  beautiful,  was  a  perfectly 
disgusting  object.    Mothers  ought  to  take  facts,  and  sedu- 


262  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

lousjy  teach  their  children  the  abominations  of  the  sin, 
and  thus  fortify  the  moral  feelings  of  their  children  against 
licentiousness  in  any  and  in  every  shape.  He  noticed  the 
case  of  a  little  girl  only  seven  years  old.  She  had  been, 
by  an  older  female,  taught  evil  words,  and  made  to  under- 
stand the  import  of  these  words.  Salutary  and  wholesome 
discipline  has  effectually  established  that  child  in  decent 
and  chaste  conduct. 

The  effect  of  lewdness  upon  the  moral  feelings  is  most 
desolating.  Men  addicted  to  that  sin  soon  become  perfectly 
destitute  of  all  moral  character — influenced  by  no  principle 
of  integrity  or  honor,  and  without  even  self-respect;  go- 
verned merely  by  motives  of  policy  and  pecuniary  interest, 
they  regard  not  the  rights  of  others. 

Troy,  July  25th. — Spent  the  day  in  reading  theology. 
In  the  evening,  dark  and  rainy,  I  walked  out,  and  stopped 

in  the  middle  of  the  street,  opposite  to  Mrs.  B 's 

infamous  brothel.  A  black  man  came  out  and  offered  to 
show  me  to  a  pretty  girl  for  twenty-five  cents.  A  little 
farther  on  I  saw  in  the  street  two  prostitutes  surrounded 
by  men :  their  conversation  and  conduct  were  indecent. 
As  I  am  to  preach  to-morrow  to  the  colored  people,  I  shall 
make  use  of  these  facts. 

Troy^  July  2(jth. — Preached  in  the  forenoon  and  evening 
to  the  colored  people.  The  subject  was  the  seventh  com- 
mandment. In  the  morning  1  related  the  fact  about  the 
two  girls  in  the  circle  of  men  in  the  street  last  night,  be- 
fore the  church-door  where  I  preached  ;  and  that  I  had 
another  fact  to  relate,  but  should  reserve  that  till  evening. 

Mrs.  B and  her  daughters  were  present.    In  the 

evening  they  were  present,  and  I  related  the  story  about 
the  black  man  who  came  out  of  her  house  and  made  me 
the  offer  before  mentioned.  In  all,  I  spoke  about  two  hours 
and  a  half.  At  night  I  pointedly  addressed  the  hags,  and 
told  them  their  awful  doom.  The  house  was  very  full. 
But  in  the  morning  and  at  night  I  found  it  necessary  to 


REV.  Jons  11.  m'dov/all.  263 

address  tlie  audience  on  the  subject  of  delicacy.  It  is 
needful  to  show  people  what  delicacy  is,  and  what  is  iis 
proper  ofTice. 

Deacon  Grant  gave  me  $3  towards  defraying  my  ex- 
penses:  Mrs.   W =,    12|  cents;  Mr.    M ,   19; 

total,  $3  3l|. 

Troy,  July  27th. — Called  on  a  physician,  who  told  me 
he  had  practiced  several  years  in  the  country,  and  knoivs 
that  the  country  is  as  corrupt  as  the  city.  Once  had  a  deacon 
of  a  church  and  married  men,  as  patients,  from  the  coun- 
try. Stated  some  facts  that  cannot  be  mentioned.  Saw 
some  other  physicians,  but  as  their  statements  coincided 
with  those  already  given,  I  shall  not  record  them. 

I  was  received  with  civility  and  courtesy  by  the  medi- 
cal gentlemen  on  whom  I  called,  with  one  solitary  ex- 
ception ;  in  this  case  the  physician  was  on  his  bed ;  he 
let  loose  a  tirade  of  abuse  against  M'Dowall's  Journal 
and  the  American  Seventh  Commandment  Society,  and 
then  contemptuously  and  violently  threw  himself  over  on 
his  bed  and  refused  to  say  any  thing  more. 

In  the  evening,  about  9  o'clock,  walked  as  fir  as   Mrs. 

B .    As  I  came  opposite  to  it,  1  heard  a  woman's 

voice  saying,  in  reference  to   my  sermon   and  attack  on 
the  Troy  brothels,  "that   I   could   not  have  known  any 

thing  about    Mrs.  B :  somebody   must   have  told 

me."     Thus  this  old  hag  had  her  comforters  about  her, 
laboring  to  ease  her  guilty  conscience. 

2Sth. — Making  preparations  to  return  to  New- York. 
Called  on  Mrs.  Prescott ;  she  told  me  there  was  trouble 
among  the  brothel-keepers  ;  and  the  ladies  of  the  Moral 
Reform  Society  were  blamed  for  having  told  me  any  thing 
about  these  poor  guilty  creatures.  Mr.  Yates,  the  law- 
yer, advised  me  to  call  on  the  Mayor  and  state  to  him 
the  facts  I  had  obtained.  He  accompanied  me  to  his 
house,  but  he  was  not  in.  We  saw  the  Recorder,  and  he 
coincided  in  opinion   with  Mr.   Yates,  that  it  vrould   be 


264  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

well  to  call  a  select  meeting  of  citizens  and  lay  the  facta 
before  them. 

July  ZQth. — The  state  of  my  business  required  me  to 
leave  the  city,  and  I  took  passage  on  board  the  steam-boat 
United  States,  for  New- York.  Was  kindly  and  hospita- 
bly entertained  in  Troy  by  Mr.  P.  Allen,  Mr.  Gilbert, 
and  Mr.  Town. 

As  to  the  general  appearance  of  all  the  harlots  I  saw, 
they  were  filthy  in  the  extreme.  I  saw  but  two  or  three 
such  as  are  called  genteel  in  New- York. 

Friday,  July  3 Is/. — Arrived  in  New- York  at  4  o'clock, 
and  found  my  family  had  left  the  city ;  they  had  gone 
to  Newark ;  went  there  and  towed  down  to  New- York 
again.  Much  profanity  and  obscenity  among  the  men. 
On  seeing  me  exhibit  a  phrenological  chart,  they  gather- 
ed around  and  wished  me  to  describe  their  characters.  I 
lectured  on  each  man's  head  on  the  subject  of  Moral 
Reform  ;  several  of  them  needed  to  refrain  from  their 
folly  and  ruinous  sin.  A  good  moral  influence  was  ex- 
erted over  their  minds.  One  man,  who  had  been  out- 
rageously profane  and  indelicate  in  all  his  allusions,  would 
not  let  me  place  my  hand  on  his  head  ;  but,  some  time  after 
this,  he  was  standing  in  the  cabin-door,  and  beckoned  me 
to  come  to  him.  He  led  me  into  the  cabin,  and  desired 
me  to  examine  his  head.  He  did  not  wish  the  crew  to 
hear  what  I  had  to  say  to  him.  I  had  an  excellent  op- 
portunity to  instruct  hJm,  and  did  not  fail  to  improve  it. 
He  listened  attentively,  and  during  the  remainder  of  the 
voyage  I  did  not  hear  a  profane  or  vulgar  word  drop 
from  his  lips.     He  was  sedate. 

There  is  something  in  phrenology  which  may  be  hap- 
pily adapted  to  man's  best  interest.  It  is  not  the  art  of  tell- 
ing fortunes,  but  of  telling  what  are  one's  natural  abilities. 
It  is  based  not  on  conjecture  or  caprice,  but  on  the  observa- 
tion of  facts.  Six  months  ago  I  ridiculed  the  science. 
A  friend   induced   me   to   examine  its   merits.     I   have 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  265 

done  so  to  some  extent.  Having  carefully  read  Combe's 
lectures  on  it,  and  Fowler's  Chart,  and  heard  Fowler's 
course  of  lectures,  the  result  is  a  full  conviction  of  the  truth 
of  phrenological  principles.  The  science  is  not  witchcraft, 
nor  juggling,  nor  necromancy,  in  any  shape  or  form  what- 
ever. It  is  a  plain  system  of  principles  gathered  from  the 
careful  observation  of  undoubted  facts.  Every  body  has 
it  in  his  own  power  to  test  the  truth  or  falsehood  of  phre- 
nology. It  considers  the  brain  as  the  instrument  the  mind 
uses  to  acquire  knowledge — that  each  part  of  the  brain, 
like  the  body,  has  a  specific  office,  and  that  observation 
alone  ascertains  what  office  is  performed  by  the  different 
parts  of  the  brain.  But  I  will  not  go  into  a  discussion  of 
the  subject ;  I  dismiss  it  for  the  present,  merely  adding,  I 
believe  it  will  contribute  much  towards  rendering  the 
science  of  intellectual  and  moral  philosophy  intelligible 
to  ordinary  minds." 

His  visit  at  Troy  was,  like  himself,  thorough  in  re- 
search and  minute  in  detail.  He  wrote  an  address  to  the 
Moral  Reform  Society  of  that  place,  which  has  never  been 
published.  Some  extracts  are  here  made,  vividly  portray- 
ing the  horrid  sin  of  licentiousness,  and  his  own  abhor- 
rence of  its  practice. 

Should  the  reader  find  a  sameness  in  the  address  with 
that  of  his  Journal  elsewhere,  it  should  not  be  censured, 
as  the  scenes  he  constantly  witnessed  w^ere  alike  in  nature 
and  practice,  and  the  thoughts  necessarily  flowing  in  the 
same  channel  must  at  times  send  forth  the  same  language. 


23 


266  MEMOIR    OF    TAB 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 

Address  to  the  Ladies  of  the  Troy  Female  Moral  Reform  Society-- 
Visit  to  Connecticut  for  the  Seventh  Commandment  Society-— - 
Scene  at  a  Tavern. 

To  the  Ladies  of  the  Troy  Female  Moral  Reform  Society. 

"  Respected  Ladies, — On  the  15lh  of  July,  1835,  in 
company  with  my  brother,  I  arrived  in  your  city.  In  ac- 
cordance with  your  wishes,  he  engaged  to  labor  for  a  few- 
weeks  under  your  direction.  He  left  about  the  22d  of 
July.  At  his  request,  I  promised  to  give  you  a  written, 
statement  of  the  result  of  our  investigations. 

"  In  proceeding  in  the  task  before  me,  I  state  first,  that 
there  are  in  Troy  nineteen  houses  of  prostitution,  and  a 
twentieth  of  dubious  character.  A  list  of  these  houses  is 
in  my  possession.  A  copy  of  this  list  accompanies  this 
document,  for  the  benefit  of  your  missionary. 

"  Public  sentiment  occasionally  acts  against  these 
houses,  and  then  they  are  indicted.  Rich  and  influential 
men  afford  them  less  protection  than  the  same  class  of 
persons  in  New-York  render  to  brothels  there.  Less  di- 
rect evidence  seems  to  be  required  here  to  prove  that  such 
a  house  is  a  nuisance,  than  is  demanded  in  that  city  for  a 
similar  purpose.  Not  that  legal  evidence  will  be  rejected 
there,  or  innocence  sacrificed  here.  Let  public  sentiment 
be  purified  on  this  subject,  and  the  existence  of  such  a 
house  will  be  considered  a  most  insufferable  evil. 

"  The  only  shelter  the  utterly  abandoned  finds  is  in 
these  houses.  These  habitations  facilitate  pollution's  hurt- 
ful traffic.  They  are  the  slave  store-ships  of  the  piratical 
plunderers  of  female  purity,  honor,  peace,  and  salvation. 
These  are  the  hecatombs  and  graves  of  all  that  is  lovely 
in  woman.  They  are  the  burning,  galling,  diseasing, 
outer-workshops  of  the  bottomless  pit. 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  207 

**  They  arethegfrand  mints  in  which  the  stamp  and  su- 
perscription of  the  old  dragon  are  made,  in  letters  of 
burning  fire,  on  the  heads  and  hearts  of  lost  men  and 
xvoraen.  They  are  the  forts  of  the  devil ;  the  mustering 
place  of  Satan's  armies  ;  the  parade-ground  of  Belzebub's 
Jegions ;  the  campaign-country  of  Lucifer's  allies ;  the 
pest-house  of  earth — the  abode  of  blood. 

*'  Over  them  hover  the  fallen  angels  flap  their  wings 
of  death.  Through  them  shriek  the  souls  of  the  pit, 
whose  grating  teeth,  gnawing  tongues,  glaring  eyes, 
horrify  the  virtuous  spectator.  The  bursting  fires  of  the 
nethermost  hell  light  up  the  features  of  those  in  these 
caverns  of  despair,  and  roast  the  hearts  of  once  doating 
parents. 

**  Look  at  that  aged  widowed  mother.  She  refuses  to  be 
comforted.  Her  child,  a  once  lovely  daughter,  is  now  an 
inmate  of  one  of  these  nineteen  brothels ;  is  polluted — 
ruined — and  fitted  for  the  society  of  the  abandoned.  The 
child  was  enticed  there,  and  that  mother  tried  to  reclaim 
her ;  but  the  consciousness  of  a  lost  character — the  love 
of  idleness — the  expectation  of  subsistence  from  the  wages 
of  sin — the  persuasion  of  her  paramours — the  influence 
of  associates,  and  the  control  of  her  keepers — the  despair 
she  feels — the  dread  of  the  reproaches  of  virtuous  society, 
riveted  the  bands  of  impurity  on  her  spirit,  and  chained  it 
to  the  house  of  death.  But  the  polluted  hag,  whose  fire 
is  fed  with  fuel,  whose  table  is  supplied  with  provisions, 
and  whose  back  is  clothed  with  raiment  bought  by  the 
price  of  this  child's  chastity,  pities  not  that  disconsolate 
mother,  but  fattens  on  her  groans,  and  insultingly  says — 

'♦ '  Poor  girl !  she  has  no  home.  Out  of  compassion  I 
provide  for  her.  Her  friends  won't  receive  her.  I  wish 
she  would  do  better  ;  but  it  is  useless  for  her  to  try.' 

**  So  talks  this  imp ;  and  but  for  this  that  mother's  heart 
Blight  be  light  and  joyful. 

*'  There  are  one  hundred  females  in  these  nineteen  houses, 


268  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

and  they  are  the  most  unhappy,  most  miserable  beings  in 
existence.  Terrified  by  fear  of  the  police — held  by  their 
keepers  in  vassalage  worse  than  slavery — abused  by  their 
associates — despised  and  shunned  by  the  respectable — ban- 
ished  from  decent  society — branded  with  a  blot  indelible 
as  leprosy — reduced  to  poverty,  and  enfeebled  by  disease 
— prostrated  in  intellect— polluted  in  thought  and  affec- 
tion— without  hope  of  future  good — deceived — betrayed — 
and  rushing  on  to  future  judgment — they  daily  attempt  to 
drown  in  strong  drink  all  reflection  and  solicitude. 

•'  One  said  to  me — 

"  •  I  can't  be  restored  to  the  place  whence  I  fell.  All 
will  reproach  me  ;  and  if  I  must  be  reproached,  let  it  be 
from  those  of  my  own  character.' 

"  She  drank  a  glass  of  brandy  and  sung,  a  loud,  drunk- 
ard's song.  She  caught  a  man  by  the  collar  of  his  coat 
and  drew  him  from  the  street  into  a  grocery,  and  then 
drew  him  up  to  the  counter,  and  said — 

"'Treat.' 

"  He  treated,  and  before  night-fall  her  face  was  bloody 
and  bruised,  and  she  was  intoxicated.  The  police  mag-is- 
trate  the  next  morning  committed  her  to  prison  for  steal- 
ing from  a  countryman  who  lodged  with  her  the  preceding 
night. 

"  The  children  of  Israel  committed  adultery  with  the 
women  of  Moab,  and  twenty-four  thousand  died  with  the 
plague. 

"  If  God's  displeasure  waxed  so  hot  against  the  children 
of  Israel,  shall  we  feel  no  anxiety  for  the  salvation  of  our 
country,  when  we  know  that  about  one  hundred  thousand 
prostitutes  are  abroad  in  our  cities  and  villages  ? 

"  These  public  harlots  are  a  nuisance ;  they  are  the 
bane  of  *  all  that  is  lovely  aiHd  of  good  report ;'  it  is  for 
the  public  good  that  they  should  be  deprived  of  their  na- 
tural right  to  liberty  ;  they  ought  to  be  immediately  im- 
prisoned— they  are  worse  than  mad  dogs — and  not  for  a 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'pOWALL.  269 

few  months,  and  then  let  loose  again  to  prey  upon  the 
public  property  and  morals  with  invigorated  power ;  nor, 
as  in  New- York,  where,  like  herds  of  swine,  they  are 
turned  together  by  forty  and  by  fifty  into  one  single  room, 
whose  floor  is  merely  large  enough  to  allow  at  night  a 
space  on  it  equal  to  her  length  and  width;  but  in  a  proper 
prison  constructed  for  the  express  purpose,  with  separate 
cells  for  each  woman.  The  mildest  penalty  that  should  be 
imposed  on  them  is  imprisonment  for  a  term  of  years  not 
less  than  five. 

*'  The  scriptural  way  was  to  stone  them  with  stones, 
and  to  burn  their  houses  with  fire.  '  Thus-  will  I  cause 
lewdness  to  cease  out  of  the  land,  that  ail  women  may  be 
taught  not  to  do  after  your  lewdness,  sailh  the  Lord.' 
Ezek.  23 :  44-48. 

"  There  are  five  hundred  licentious  men  and  boys  in  the 
city.  These  lewd  men  are  not  exclusively  in  the  v/alks  of 
humble  life ;  the  proud,  the  rich,  and  the  fashionable  fur- 
nish a  greater  proportion. 

'•As  it  is  not  fit  and  proper  that  virtuous  ladies  should 
associate  with  the  refuse  portion  of  their  own  sex,  so  it  is 
not  fit  and  proper  that  they  should  mingle  in  social  inter- 
course with  the  licentious  of  the  male  sex.  Chaste  females 
ought  to  admit  no  licentious  man  into  their  society ;  there 
is  a  blot  on  his  character,  and  ladies  should  be  cautious 
lest  its  stain  tinge  their  reputation. 

"  The  most  awful  judgment  is  denounced  against  these 
five  hundred  lewd  men.  Christ  and  Paul  have  said  that 
none  such  can  inherit  the  kingdom  of  God ;  and  the  Jewish 
law  declared  that  such  should  be  put  to  death.  Under  this 
awful  condemnation,  view  that  mighty  army  in  the  United 
States  of  five  hundred  thousand  lewd  men  going  down  to 
death  and  hell ! 

"  There  are  one  hundred  children  under  licentious  in- 
fluence in  Troy.    Some  who  keep,  and  some  who  reside 
in  the  brothels,  have  children  which  either  live  in  the 
23* 


270  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

brothels  or  board  in  respectable  families ;  of  course  these 
youths  are  under  licentious  influence.  The  one  hundred 
public,  the  two  hundred  private  prostitutes,  the  five  hun- 
dred licentious  men  and  boys,  are  every  day  in  houses 
in  which  there  are  children.  Is  it  then  too  high  an 
estimate  to  say  that  one  hundred  children  in  Troy  are 
under  the  daily  polluting  influence  of  lewdness?-  Would 
it  not  be  safe  to  quadruple  the  number  ?  Each  child  in 
the  street  and  in  the  house  associates  at  least  with  one 
other  child,  to  whom  it  communicates  corruption.  To 
what  extent,  therefore,  is  the  leaven  of  licentiousness  dif- 
fused among  the  youth  ? 

"  On  the  subject  of  licentiousness,  the  question  is  not 
whether  children  shall  hear  any  thing ;  but  it  is  what, 
Avhen,  and  by  whom  shall  they  hear?  Shall  it  be  pollution, 
such  as  they  now  hear  ?  or  shall  it  be  such  instruction  as 
God  gives  in  his  holy  word  ?  2d.  When  shall  they  hear  ? 
•  Train  up  a  child  in  the  way  he  should  go,  and  when  he 
is  old  he  will  not  depart  from  it.'  Timothy  from  a  child 
knew  the  Scriptures,  which  are  able  to  make  us  wise  unto 
salvation.  The  infants  under  seven  3'^ears,  by  the  Mosaic 
economy,  were  to  be  fully  instructed  in  all  things  contained 
in  the  Bible.  •  A  child  left  to  himself  bringeth  his  mother 
to  shame.'  3d.  By  whom  1  By  the  polluted,  as  is  now 
extensively  done ;  or  by  parents  appointed  by  God  for  that 
purpose?  Parents  should  give  their  sympathies  to  their 
children,  and  receive  the  children's  sympathies  in  return. 
Thus  parents'  hearts  would  become  the  store-house  in 
which  the  children  would  deposit  all  their  secrets. 

♦'  Parents,  knowing  all  their  children  hear,  see,  and  do, 
could  ably  guard  and  defend  them. 

•*  How  painful  the  thought,  that  in  large  cities  and  vil- 
lages more  than  100,000  children  are  growing  up  to  man- 
hood and  womanhood  under  licentious  influences  I 

"  Even  about  the  sanctuary,  the  Sabbath-school,  the  day- 
school,  the  fences  of  the  streets,  and  on  paper,  are  seen  the 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  271 

polluting  characters  and  shameful  evidences  of  licentious- 
ness— characters  made  there,  and  evidence  furnished  by- 
even  young  children ! 

"  There  is,  then,  a  living,  acting,  secret  process  beguil- 
ing the  minds  of  children  into  some  form  of  the  sin.  There- 
fore the  abomination  can  never  be  removed  till  children 
are  taught  the  evil  consequences  of  this  sin. 

"  That  there  are  licentious  books  and  prints  in  the  city 
is  evident.  I  have  investigated  this  subject  to  some  ex- 
tent. I  have  a  list  of  more  than  fifty  places  where  such 
articles  are  sold.  At  several  of  these  fifty  places  they  are 
manufactured.  The  collection  of  different  prints,  aside 
from  duplicates,  amount  to  about  four  hundred.  They  are 
a  shocking  outrage  on  decency.  Those  police  magistrates, 
aldermen,  and  judicious  friends,  who  have  seen  these 
paraphernalia  of  damnation,  will  bear  me  out  in  the  asser- 
tion, that  the  imagination  of  the  virtuous  can  have  no  con- 
ception of  the  variety  of  lewd  designs — the  numberless 
kinds  of  articles  on  which  these  designs  are  shown — the 
immense  capital  vested  in  their  production. 

"  Men  in  high  places,  and  men  respected  in  society,  are 
now  engaged  in  this  business. 

"  The  necessity  of  immediate  vigilance,  and  a  powerful 
and  extended  action  on  this  subject,  will  appear  from  the 
following  facts : 

"  I  hired  a  person,  and  sent  him  to  Boston  and  to  other 
places,  to  ferret  out  this  mystery  of  secret  iniquity. 

"  In  Boston  my  agent,  Mr.  H.  H.  Stockton,  prosecuted 
the  investigations  in  a  fearless  and  praiseworthy  manner, 
and  complained  of  the  men  engaged  in  the  traffic.  Several 
of  these  persons  were  indicted ;  and  obscene  articles  to  the 
value  of  not  less  than  fifteen  hundred  dollars  were  seized  and 
burnt  in  the  street  by  order  of  the  court.  Persons  of  high 
standing  in  Boston  were  implicated  in  this  business. 

"  One  of  these  persons,  a  few  days  before  his  lewd  stock 
was  seized,  told  me  he  had,  during  the  two  weeks  previ- 


272  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

ous,  sold  to  two  individuals  not  less  than  two  hundred  dol 
lars'  worth,  to  be  retailed  by  them  in  remote  towns  in  Maine 
and  New-Hampshire.  Another  said  he  had  sold  such 
articles  through  the  entire  county  of  Berkshire,  Massa- 
chusetts, and  also  through  the  county  adjacent  to  it.  I 
asked  him  how  he  managed  to  avoid  detection  ? 

"  '  0,'  said  he,  with  a  significant  look,  '  1  had  them  in 
the  bottom  of  my  basket,  and  took  them  out  only  when  I 
was  safe.' 

'*  A  man  in  Boston,  under  whose  care  were  a  number  of 
young  ladies,  as  an  instructor,  had  these  prints,  and  ex- 
hibited them  to  some  of  his  pupils.  He  was  imprisoned. 
One  individual  told  me  that  not  less  than  10,000  volumes 

of  a  vile  book  called  '  F H ,'  and  often  labelled 

'  Night  Thoughts,'  *  Garlands  of  Love,'  &c.  had  been 
printed  and  sold  in  Boston  to  individuals,  who  retailed  the 
most  of  them  in  different  sections  of  the  country. 

''A  printer  in  New- York  said  that  two  females  left 
his  employment,  and  were  hired  by  another  man  to  fold 
'F H .' 

"  Soon  after  this  they  became  abandoned  harlots. 

"  This  Publisher  gave  employment  to  a  number  of 
young  girls,  most  of  whom  were  engaged  in  coloring  ob- 
scene prints. 

"  A  minister  in  Connecticut  says  that  a  young  man,  the 
son  of  a  pious  female  member  of  his  church,  on  his  dying 
bed  called  his  mother  to  him,  and  said — 

" '  Mother,  go  into  my  chamber,  and  from  one  corner  of 
my  trunk  take  a  book  and  put  it  into  the  fire.  Don't 
look  into  it — that  book  has  ruined  me — it  brought  me  to 
this  sick  and  dying  bed.  With  that  book  nineteen  young 
men  have  been  polluted.' 

"A  pastor  of  a  church  in  Rhode-Island  says  that  a  vile 
book,  with  exceedingly  licentious  pictures  in  it,  was  taken 
on  a  Sabbath  day,  by  a  Sabbath-school  teacher,  out  of  the 
pocket  of  a  boy  in  the  teacher's  class. 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  273 

r- 

"A  gentleman  in  Oneida  county,  N.  York,  says  that  he 
found  such  a  book  on  the  table  of  a  family  where  he 
spent  a  short  time,  and  that  it  was  in  possession  of  youn^ 
females.  A  pedlar  in  a  steam-boat,  between  Baltimore 
and  Philadelphia,  sold  such  a  book  to  a  student  from 
Ohio.    The  book  is  now  in  my  possession. 

•*  A  merchant  in  Otsego  county  keeps  such  books  for 
sale.  On  applying  to  the  Mayor  and  Police  in  New- 
York  to  seize  such  articles  in  that  city,  they  said  there 
was  no  law  authorizing  them  to  issue  such  warrants  for 
the  seizure  of  such  articles  ;  a  man  might  make  and  keep 
such  vile  things,  as  many  as  he  pleased,  and  they  could 
not  legally  touch  them ;  all  that  could  be  done  was  to 
indict  such  obscene  and  immoral  publications  and  things. 
This  is  all  the  protection  the  laws  of  New-York  render 
to  the  public  against  the  immeasurably  polluting  and 
ruinous  effects  of  such  books  and  prints,  &c.  it  is  time 
that  more  wholesome  laws  were  enacted. 

•*  In  order  to  urge  the  attention  of  the  legislature  to  the 
necessity  of  stronger  laws  on  this  subject,  petitions  ought 
to  be  presented  to  that  body  at  its  next  session. 

•*  It  was  my  purpose  to  have  investigated  this  subject 
throughout  the  entire  country  before  I  made  an  exposure, 
but  my  pecuniary  resources  have  utterly  failed  and  left 
me  minus  to  a  considerable  amount.  I  am  obliged  to 
abandon  the  further  prosecution  of  this  branch  of  the 
cause. 

♦•  There  are  in  the  city  exhibitions  of  unclothed  persons; 
public  decency  is  outraged  by  naked  boys  bathing  along 
the  margin  of  the  Hudson  as  the  steam-boats  pass  up  and 
down  the  river.  At  the  north  end  of  the  city  it  is  the 
custom  of  youths,  in  a  state  of  absolute  nakedness,  to  run 
along  the  wharves  in  the  sight  of  females  in  the  street. 
The  gross  impropriety  and  evil  influence  of  this  shameful 
practice  call  loudly  for  a  strong  expression  of  public  ab- 
horrence to  put  it  down.     Exemplary  punishment  ought 


274 


MEMOIR    OP   TB£ 


to  be  inflicted  on  those  who  thus  wantonly  trespass  ©a 
public  delicacy. 

"  Under  this  head,  that  practice  among  some  females  of 
letting  the  neck  go  bare,  and  of  allowing  the  gown  to  fall 
oft'  the  shoulders  so  as  to  expose  the  naked  bosom,  can- 
not be  too  strongly  reprobated  as  a  lewd  and  indecent  ex- 
posure of  parts  designed  to  be  clothed.  The  covering  of  a 
female  should  be  modest  and  decent.  The  christian  di- 
rection is  'that  women  adorn  themselves  in  modest  ap- 
parel,' and  not  '  with  the  attire  of  a  harlot.' 

"  That  there  is  '  pride,  fullness  of  bread,  and  abun- 
dance of  idleness  in  the  city,'  is  evident.  The  harlots 
are  idle,  and  earn  not  their  bread  by  lawful  labor.  Behold, 
says  the  Lord,  in  Ezekiel,  this  was  the  iniquity  of  thy 
sister  Sodom ;  pride,  fullness  of  bread,  and  abundance  of 
idleness  was  in  her  and  in  her  daughters ;  neither  did 
she  strengthen  the  hand  of  the  poor  and  needy. 

'*  Persons  having  an  abundance  of  good  things  of  this 
life,  usually  study  to  know  how  to  kill  time  in  such  a  way 
as  to  gratify  their  animal  instincts.  Hence,  their  leisure 
hours  are  devoted  to  feasting,  and  wine,  and  company,  not 
always  of  the  purest  reputation. 

"  The  daughters  of  the  virtuous  poor,  unwilling  to  be 
the  menials  and  slaves  of  rich  and  proud  oppressors,  re- 
fuse to  labor  as  domestics,  and  engage  in  trade  already 
overstocked  with  laborers,  consequently  in  the  female 
trade  the  price  of  labor  is  reduced  so  low,  it  is  said,  that 
more  than  ten  thousand  seamstresses  in  Boston,  New- 
York,  Philadelphia,  and  Baltimore,  are  unable  to  earn  a 
comfortable  living  by  iheir  needles.  To  keep  up  a  fa- 
shionable style  of  dress,  and  to  furnish  their  tables  with 
food,  multitudes  of  these  women  yield  to  the  solicitations 
of  rich  sensualists,  and  soon  after  become  abandoned  har- 
lots. Thus  it  is  evident  that  the  character  of  female  ser- 
vants is  becoming  worse,  and  that  the  general  complaint, 
that  good  female  help  cannot  be  had,  is  to  a  great  extent 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  275 

true.  To  reform  these  evils,  let  pride  and  oppression  of 
the  poor  cease;  let  domestics  he  treated  according  to  their 
moral  worth — not  as  slaves,  but  as  children.  Plead  not  for 
him,  who,  by  grinding  the  face  of  the  poor,  grows  rich  on  the 
profits  of  their  toil.  Let  him  be  to  you  as  the  filth  of  society, 

"  Thousands  of  christian  females,  regardless  of  the  di- 
vine injunction,  become  the  patterns  which  poor  girls  often 
imitate  at  the  price  of  their  character.  Certain  christian 
ladies,  decked  in  '  gold,  pearl,  and  costly  array,'  came  into 
the  New- York  Magdalen  Asylum.  When  they  left  the 
asylum,  one  of  the  harlots  said  to  the  other  inmates,  '  I 
used  to  dress  as  these  ladies  do,  and  I  will  dress  so  again,' 
and  she  left  the  asylum,  and  died  soon  after  in  the  Peni- 
tentiary, to  which  she  was  carried  out  of  a  brothel. 

"  How  long  will  christian  ladies  adorn  themselves  in 
the  attire  of  harlots  ?  Again,  suicide  is  often  committed  im 
the  city.  The  blissful  prospects  of  these  guilty  women 
being  overhung  with  portentous  clouds,  they  foolishly 
welcome  death  as  a  messenger  of  peace.  Perhaps  the  ma- 
jority of  them  have  tried  by  poison  or  intemperance  to  kill 
themselves.  Infants  are  often  killed.  The  slumbers  of 
these  guilty  parents  must  often  be  disturbed  by  innocent 
blood  crying  for  vengeance. 

"  Licentiousness  shortens  life.  The  number  of  deaths 
in  the  United  States  is  yearly  not  probably  less  than 
50,000  by  licentiousness.  The  laws  of  this  state  do  not 
punish  licentiousness  as  it  deserves ;  indeed,  they  consider 
it  no  crime.  A  man  may  be  an  abandoned  rake,  and  the 
laws  connive  at  it.  He  may  trespass  on  the  sympathies 
of  parents,  brothers,  sisters  and  husbands,  and  not  be  mo- 
lested. Children  may  be  deprived  of  guardians — domestic 
peace  sacrificed,  yet  he  may  go  at  large,  and  laugh  at  the 
scene.  His  victim  may  be  immured  in  a  dungeon,  and  he 
b3  received  into  respectable  society. 

•'  One  fact  may  illustrate  this.  A  motherless  girl  in  New- 
York  was  seduced  by  a  villain  v/hiie  residing  with  her 


276  MEMOIR    OF    THB 

sister.  She  was  but  sixteen.  Her  sister  sent  her  to  her 
father  in  Philadelphia,  and  he  sent  her  back  to  New- York. 
The  sister  would  not  receive  her,  but  sent  her  to  the  asy- 
lum. She  became  a  mother — the  child  died — the  poor 
girl,  broken-hearted,  left  the  asylum  without  a  shelter  or  a 
home.  Mrs.  M' Do  wall  called  on  her  sister,  begging  her 
to  have  compassion  upon  her,  and  hear  the  answer  I 

"  '  The  young  man  who  seduced  her  often  dines  with  us, 
and  I  do  not  wish  him  to  see  her  !' 

"  Cases  like  these  might  be  muUiplied.  Now,  the  com- 
munity have  a  right  to  protection  against  the  wrongs 
lewdness  do  to  it.  The  scale  that  graduates  the  penalty 
for  murder,  piracy,  and  manstealing,  should  graduate  the 
penalty  for  adultery.  Shed  light  on  its  iniquity  ;  darkness 
is  its  element.  While  it  can  conceal  itself  against  the  gaze 
and  frown  of  the  upright,  it  will  continue  to  live  and  fatten 
on  the  blood  of  human  beings. 

"  Sometimes,  to  hide  itself,  it  takes  on  a  gentle  and  deli- 
cate character ;  but  light  is  the  remedy ;  let  holy  light 
be  poured  into  its  lurking  places  and  it  will  die.  The 
truth  used  in  love  will  guide  the  warriors  and  insure  a 
victory  over  the  devourer  of  purity. 

"  Awake  to  righteousness.  The  toesin  of  alarm  is  sound- 
ed ;  the  enemy  is  in  the  land.  Let  the  spirit  of  extermi- 
nation breathe  against  the  merciless  monster.  Let  it  be 
houseless  ;  let  it  have  no  resting-place  for  the  sole  of  its 
foot.  If  it  flies  to  the  hills,  chase  it  there ;  if  to  the 
mountains,  climb  them  and  drive  it  thence ;  if  to  the 
islands,  pursue  hard  after  it  and  drive  it  from  off  the 
earth.     Let  the  motto  be,  •  Root  out  the  brothels.^ 

"  The  question  is  already  agitated,  whether  such  houses 
shall  be  legalized. 

"  Pamphlets,  advocating  the  affirmative  answer,  have 
received  an  extensive  circulation  in  some  of  the  large 
cities  in  the  United  States. 

••  Alderman  Boyd  recently  made  a  motion  in  the  com- 


REr.    JOHN    R.    M  DOWALL.  277 

mon  council  of  New- York  to  license  houses  in  that  city 
for  the  express  purpose  of  breaking  the  seventh  command- 
ment. Thousands  of  persons  of  wide  extended  influence 
advocate  the  measure  he  proposed :  the  openly  vicious  and 
the  secretly  lewd  are  attached  to  the  Alderman's  party; 
but  where  is  the  father  who  will  sacrifice  his  daughter  on 
this  altar  of  filth  ?  where  is  the  mother  that  will  tell  her 
son  that  marriage  is  dishonorable,  and  direct  him  to  the 
house  of  the  strange  woman,  whose  steps  take  hold  on 
death  ? 

"  Ladies,  who  with  more  propriety  shall  undertake  this 
mighty  project  of  Moral  Reform  than  the  ladies  in  the 
city  of  Troy,  and  of  the  State  ?" 

"  Thursdaij,Mayl3lh.—l  left  New- York  for  Bridgeport, 
Conn. ;  arrived  about  half-past  twelve.  On  taking  lodgings 
at  a  public  house  I  saw  an  advertisement  that  the  Nim- 
rod  would  at  one  o'clock  make  a  trip  to  New-Haven.  I 
made  a  vigorous  eflfort,  and  succeeded  in  doing  my  busi- 
ness, and  in  time  was  on  board  for  New-Haven,  where  I 
arrived  at  three  P.  M.  of  the  same  day.  Called  on  my 
old  friend  Mrs.  Barnes ;  took  tea  and  passed  the  night 

with  Mr.  J ,  the  instructor  of  a  large  and  respectable 

school  for  boys  preparing  for  college.  Facts  respect- 
ing the  lewdness  of  many  of  the  former  scholars  of  this 
school  come  to  my  knowledge,  but  as  these  facts  may 
possibly  be  recorded  for  publication,  I  will  not  now  record 
any  of  them. 

''Friday^  May  \Uh, — This  morning  I  found  that  no 
stage  left  the  city  for  New-Milford,  where  I  had  to  go 
on  important  business  respecting  the  American  Seventh 
Commandment  Society.  I  heard  that  a  farmer  from  that 
region  was  in  town ;  I  sought  him  out,  and  engaged  to 
give  him  $1   50  to  carry  me  where  I  wanted  to  go. 

••  At  twelve  o'clock  we  left  New-Haven ;  rode  to  Derby  ; 
where  the  farmer  stopped  to  bait  his  horse  and  avoid  a 
coming  shower.  The  bar-room  was  full  of  men  idling 
24 


278  MEMOIR    OF    THIE 

away  the  hours  of  the  afternoon.  I  chose  to  walk  to  Che* 
river,  but  the  clouds  grew  dark,  the  rain  approached,  and 
I  entered  the  tavern  for  shelter.  A  dispute  arose  about 
some  oats  that  the  farmer  had  taken  to  town,  and  it  seem- 
ed before  I  entered  the  room  they  had  bet  each  one  dollar 
on  the  affair,  and  the  money  was  placed  in  the  landlord's 
hands  for  the  one  who  should  gain.  The  farmer  was 
urged  to  leave  the  decision  to  any  six  men,  or  to  me.  I 
shook  my  head  and  replied  that  I  was  a  religious  man, 
and,  as  such,  was  opposed  to  betting,  for  I  held  it  to  be  an 
iniquitous  practice:  it  was  by  the  winner  obtaining  pro- 
perty without  paying  a  valuable  consideration. 

"  I  am  opposed  to  it — it  is  wickedness,  and  still  it  prevails 
everywhere;  for  in  the  city  and  country  men  will  bet  and 
"  lay  wagers  "  about  the  most  trivial  things.  It  is  a  custom 
that  does  immense  evil — makes  men  idle,  intemperate, 
<]uarrelsome,  and  vicious. 

"The  landlady  called  one  or  two  men  to  dinner.  She 
asked  one  of  them  if  he  wanted  a  dram  at  the  table  1  He 
nodded  assent,  and  she  joyfully  went  to  the  bar  and  fetched 
a  bottle,  while  the  betting  was  again  resumed,  I  said,  that 
if  it  should  be  left  to  me,  they  would  neither  gain  the  bet, 
for  I  would  give  to  each  man  his  own  money ;  or,  as  a 
punishment,  I  would  award  both  dollars  to  some  poor 
widow  in  Derby,  and  appoint  a  committee  to  carry  it  to 
her.  The  better  left  the  bar-room,  uttering  the  most  inde 
cent  language.  Finding  the  bar-room  talk  to  be  far  from 
edifying,  I  took  a  book  from  my  pocket  and  began  to  read^ 
but  was  disturbed,  and  put  it  back:  walked  to  the  door  ^ 
before  it  was  a  piazza  where  persons  stood  talking  about 
the  bet.    One  of  them  said, 

"  '  Let  us  draw.' 

"  Being  asked  for  a  pack  of  cards,  I  replied  that  I  did 
not  play  cards.  He  perceived  that  I  disapproved  of  gam- 
bling, and  turned  aside.  The  man  who  dined  said  he  would 
••bet"  that  I  had  a  pack  of  cards.    Again  I  repeated  wf 


KEV.    JOHN    R.    M  DOWALL.  279 

Opinion  on  betting.  Again  he  asserted  that  I  had  a  pack  of 
cards.  I  told  him  I  believed  it  to  be  a  sin  to  shamble. 
He  then  re-affirmed  what  he  before  had  asserted.  I  replied, 
that  as  he  was  not  sober  I  would  not  talk  with  him.  Im- 
mediately he  said, 

"  '  Take  that  word  sober  back  again.' 

"  I  calmly  replied  I  should  take  back  nothing  I  had  said. 

"  He  then  put  me  out  of  the  door  upon  the  piazza.  I 
made  no  resistance,  nor  did  I  utter  a  word,  nor  put  myself 
in  a  posture  of  defence,  but  stood  just  where  his  force  put 
me  ;  then  with  violence  he  seized  me  by  the  shoulder  and 
hurled  me  off  the  piazza.  I  came  near  going  over  the 
wall,  some  six  or  eight  feet  to  the  ground.  I  deliberately 
returned  to  the  piazza,  not  speaking  a  word  nor  even 
looking  at  the  man.  Again  he  came  up  to  me,  laid  violent 
hands  on  me,  thrust  me  backwards  against  the  house,  and 
wrung  my  nose  with  as  much  force  as  his  malevolent  will 
desired.  I  made  no  resistance  save  that  of  escaping  from 
his  ruffian  attack,  and  calling  on  some  one  to  tell  me  the 
name  of  the  assailant.  1  offered  a  dollar  for  his  name. 
The  landlord  would  not  answer.  At  length  the  man  came 
to  me  and  said  his  name  was  R.  S.  Prescott,  of  New- 
Haven.  He  then  gave  me  much  reproachful  language, 
and  finally  asked  me  for  my  name.  I  walked  away,  and 
he  could  not  learn  my  name,  residence,  nor  profession. 

"  At  four  the  farmer  entered  his  wagon  and  we  drove 
off,  and  reached  the  farmer's  residence  late,  and  it  was  two 
o'clock  before  we  retired.* 

*  There  are  men  who  would  have  escaped  much  of  the  trouble 
which  fell  upon  M'Dowall,  for  sin  with  him  could  not  pass  unrebuked  ; 
and  tUe  wonder  well  may  be  that  he  escaped  a  violent  death  from 
the  hands  of  some  adulterer,  thief,  or  drunkard,  to  die  a  more  linger- 
ing martyrdom  by  the  more  plausible  but  not  less  effectual  bitterness 
of  the  church. 


280  MEMOIR    OF    THE 


CHAPTER    XXVIII. 


JVew-Milford — Journal  at  Connecticut — Return  to  New-York — Jour- 
ney to  the  West — Journal  while  on  the  Canal — Rochester — Doings 
there. 

*' Saturday,  August  \5ih. — Called  on  Rev.  Mr.  Rood,  of 
New-Milford,  to  engage  him  to  become  an  Agent  for  the 
Seventh  Commandment  Society.  After  this  interview  had 
a  private  conveyance  to  New-Canaan.  At  nine  o'clock  at 
night,  fatigued  and  impeded  on  our  way,  we  stopped  in 
Pitfordshire. 

"  Sabbath,  August  16th. — Early  we  arrived  at  Mr.  Ste- 
phen's to  breakfast.  I  hesitated  to  travel,  though  it  was 
but  a  short  distance;  but  as  I  could  do  no  apparent  good 
in  Pitfordshire,  not  having  an  appointment  for  a  meeting 
there,  and  being  dependent  on  French  for  a  passage  to  my 
destined  place,  where  I  might  be  useful,  I  concluded  to  go 
on.  If  I  erred  in  this  matter,  the  Lord  forgive  me,  for  1 
would  not  by  my  example  do  evil  that  good  may  come. 

"  At  eleven  o'clock  held  a  meeting  at  Mr.  Finch's,  and 
showed  that  men  ought  in  religion  to  act  on  the  same 
common  principles  that  govern  them  in  their  worldly 
business.    It  was  a  precious  season  to  my  soul. 

'  "  At  half-past  one  o'clock  went  to  hear  Rev.  Mr.  Fuller ; 
had  given  out  a  psalm.  He  insisted  on  my  preaching.  I 
selected  my  text  from  the  psalm  he  gave  out  to  the  choir, 
and  showed  that  if  christians  would  be  faithful  and  oppose 
reigning  sins,  that  men,  cruel,  and  bloody,  and  unrighteous, 
would  persecute  them.  Illustrated  it  by  the  case  of  R.  S. 
Prescott's  assault  on  me  at  Derby.  Noticed  the  prevailing 
practice  of  betting  at  elections,  horse-races,  &c. ;  also  the 
practice  of  using  drinks  that  make  men  drunk;  and  also 


REV.    JOHN    R.    M  DOV/ALL.  281 

the  lewdness  of  the  licentious.  Urged  them  to  defend  the 
truth  though  they  die  for  it.  At  seven  o'clock  held  a 
meeting  at  Mr.  Finch's. 

''Monday,  August  nth. — Am  greatly  wearied  by  the 
efforts  of  yesterday.     My  rest  was  very  poor  last  night. 

••Worked  a  little  in  fixing  a  press  to  make  cider.  I 
worked  to  gain  my  health,  not  because  I  wish  to  help  my 
friend  to  make  a  drink  that  has  made  many  drunkards. 
Cider  has  made  many  drunk,  and  must  be  given  up. 

"  Tuesday,  ISih. — Visited  Mrs.  Bonney's  school :  talked 
to  the  children  about  forming  a  Temperance  Society  among 
them. 

"  On  Sabbath,  one  man  who  heard  me  speak  against 
lewdness,  said  it  w^as  too  delicate  a  subject  to  be  named  in 
a  promiscuous  assembly,  I  am  informed  by  a  credible 
person  that  he  is  a  seducer.  Doubtless  it  was  too  delicate 
a  subject  for  those  possessed  of  devils  in  our  Savior's 
time  to  be  reproved,  for  they  too  cried  out, 

•' '  Let  us  alone.  Why  hast  thou  come  to  torment  us  be- 
fore the  time?' 

"Kindred  spirits  have  kindred  feelings  which  give  utter- 
<ince  to  the  same  sentiments.  The  keepers  of  brothels  in 
New-York  used  to  tell  me  to  let  them  alone,  and  not 
trouble  them  with  my  religion  ;  that  such  houses  were  no 
places  for  praying  and  preaching.  This  man  in  New- 
Stamford  seems  to  acquiesce  with  these  vile  women. 
Doubtless  he  is  tormented  before  the  time. 

"  Wednesday,  \9ih. — Worked  all  day,  and  was  verv 
weary  at  night.  Wrote  to  Mrs.  Barns  respecting  the 
Tumors  in  New-Haven  circulated  by  the  Benevolent  So 
ciety,  as  it  seems  needful  explanations  should  be  made. 

"  Thursday,  20th. — Was  so  fatigued  by  the  labor  per- 
formed yesterday  that  I  could  not  work  long  to-day,  and 
<Ievoted  the  day  to  writing. 

''Friday^  21s/. — Labored  all  day.    Lying  is  a  peculiar 
-c-haracteristic  of  our  race :  "  We  go  astray  as  soon  as  we 
24* 


282  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

are  born,  speaking  lies."  A  boy,  perhaps  fourteen  years 
old,  now  in  this  family,  is  a  reputed  and  most  notorious 
liar,  and  always  has  been.  His  acquisitiveness  is  large, 
his  conscientiousness  is  small,  and  his  firmness  is  full ; 
hence  we  have  in  him  one  who  perseveres  in  asserting 
the  truth  of  a  lie,  and  also  one  \vho  is  prone  to  steal. 
The  lad  is  active  and  strong.  There  is  a  very  peculiar 
government  needed  over  him  to  keep  him  in  the  right 
way.  Day  after  day  should  he  hear  instruction  on  the 
nature  of  stealing.  This  kind  of  instruction  should  fall 
on  his  ear  in  "  line  upon  line,  precept  upon  precept."  In 
this  way  his  conscientiousness,  by  exercise,  would  grow ; 
and  being  habituated  to  reveal  all  his  private  schemes  to 
some  confidential  friend,  would  have  a  tendency  to  make 
him  an  upright  and  virtuous  man. 

"  New-  York,  Sept.  \st. — Arrived  yesterday  from  Connec- 
ticut.    Intended  to  have  left  for  Whitesborough  this  day. 

"  Sept.  2d. — Delayed — not  yet  off. 

*'  Sept.  3d. — Again  was  disappointed — boat  left  me :  ano- 
ther boat  at  7. 

On  board  Hudson  River. 
"  Several  ladies  from  New-Haven,  Connecticut,  are  on 
the  boat.  Mrs.  Barnes  is  among  them.  She  introduced 
me  also  to  a  gentleman.  He  kindly  came  to  me,  sitting 
in  a  private  place  on  the  boat,  and  begged  me  to  accept  a 
bill,  folded  up  so  that  I  could  not  see  its  value  while  he 
held  it  in  his  hand.  Grateful  for  the  unexpected  favor,  I 
took  the  bill,  and  found  it  was  the  exact  price  of  my  pass- 
age. I  did  not  so  soon  expect  an  evidence  that  God 
would  supply  my  wants,  though  I  had  but  a  few  moments 
before  assured  Mrs.  Barnes  that  the  Lord  would  supply 
my  wants,  and  that  I  would  confide  in  him.  Rev.  Dr. 
Nott,  of  Union  College,  was  on  the  boat.  He  told  me  that 
he  had,  since  the  Journal  was  published,  instituted  a  series 
of  investigations  respecting  the  extent  of  licentiousness  in 
this  country,  and  that  he  was  perfectly  convinced  that  the 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  283 

truth  had  not  been  exaggerated  by  the  reports  made  on 
the  subject. 

"  A  circumstance  occurred  which  illustrated  the  import 
of  that  Scripture  which  saith :  that  •'  Many  believed  on 
Jesus,  but  did  not  confess  him  openly  for  shame."  The 
incident  w^as  this :  some  of  my  friends  were  on  the  boat, 
saw  me,  knew  me,  spoke  kindly  of  me,  but  were  asham- 
ed to  be  seen  conversing  with  me.  The  Lord  help  me  to 
bear  this  patiently.  If  I  am  despised  for  righteousness' 
sake,  as  was  my  Master,  great  will  be  my  reward.  I  will 
rejoice  in  it.  But,  O  God,  hold  me  in  thy  hand,  and  let 
me  never  fall,  so  that  my  friends  may  never  be  ashamed 
of  me,  as  they  would  be  of  an  adulterer,  and  for  the  same 
reason. 

"  Schenectady,  Sejjt.  dd. — Arrived  about  9  P.  M.  on  the 
rail-road  from  Albany — took  a  berth  in  the  canal-boat. 

"  Friday,  Erie  Canal,  Sept.  Ath,  1835. — Circulated  the 
Advocate  of  Moral  Reform,  and  loaned  the  1st  Annual 
Report  of  the  Society. 

"  One  young  lady  said  to  an  old  lady,  that  the  ladies  who 
issued  the  Report  despised  M' Do  wall.  She  expressed 
surprise  at  the  number  of  members  belonging  to  the  seve- 
ral auxiliaries  of  the  Moral  Reform  Society.  Poor  young 
lady,  she  did  not  know  that  M'Dowall  heard  her  speech, 
and  knew  that  she  meant  the  New- York  Female  Benevo- 
lent Society  despised  me.  To  be  despised — to  know  that 
one's-self  is  despised — to  hear  this  from  people  respected 
for  their  virtues  and  wealth — I  say,  to  be  present  and  hear 
all  this,  and  be  yourself  the  unknown  person  who  is  des- 
pised, is  to  be  in  a  situation  that  may  on  some  accounts  be 
very  desirable,  though  exceedingly  unpleasant.  Jesus  was 
despised — his  name  was  cast  out  as  evil,  and  that,  too,  by 
the  church.  Christ  had  no  worse  enemies  than  those 
who  had  once  taken  sweet  counsel  with  him. 

"  I  am  tempted  to  seek  an  indictment  against  several  in- 
dividuals connected  with  the  New- York  Female  Benevo- 


284  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

lent  Society.  They  merit  it — have  long  merited  it ;  but 
there  comes  that  Scripture,  "  Vengeance  is  mine ;  I  will 
repay,  saith  the  Lord/' 

"  Whitesborough,  Sept.  i)ih, — It  was  about  1 1  o'clock 
last  night  when  I  left  the  boat,  twenty-eight  miles  below 
Utica,  and  took  the  packet  for  Whitesborough.  In  pass- 
ing by  the  Little  Falls,  a  poor  profligate  told  me  that 
there  were  not  less  than  fifty  harlots  in  the  village  and  its 
immediate  vicinity — hid  sometim.es  in  the  caves  of  the 
mountains ;  that  he  knew  a  cave  where  six  harlots  were, 
and  no  man  could  find  them ;  that  the  Magistrates  of  the 
village  routed  the  girls  whenever  they  could,  and  impri- 
soned them  in  the  jail  when  they  were  arrested.  This 
was  his  story.  But  it  does  no  good  to  send  them  to  jail  at 
the  public  expense :  they  are  only  cured  of  disease  and 
fitted  for  a  more  successful  trade.  They  should  be  im- 
prisoned for  a  term  of  years,  not  less  than  five,  each  wo- 
man having  a  separate  room,  and  the  Gospel  preached  to 
them. 

"  At  8  o'clock  I  arrived  at  Whitesborough. 

'*Rome,  N.  Y.  Sept.  6th,  1835.~Rev.  Mr.  Wells,  from 
Cincinnati,  Ohio,  preached  in  the  morning  and  afternoon — 
presented  the  cause  of  abolition — he  labors  without  a  salary. 
He  was  one  of  the  members  of  Lane  Seminary  at  the  time 
the  students  left  on  account  of  anti-slavery  movements. 
In  the  evening  I  delivered  an  address  on  the  subject  of 
Moral  Reform.  Many  young  persons  were  present ;  t  felt 
the  need  of  divine  aid,  and  fervently  implored  it.  The 
Lord  blessed  me.  There  was  good  attention.  I  spoke 
about  one  hour  and  three  quarters.  The  subject  was  the 
liabilities  of  youth  to  actual  corruption.  After  service,  a 
gentleman  informed  me  that  his  little  son  of  two  years 
old  went  to  his  mother  and  informed  her  what  the  ser- 
vant girl  had  done  in  his  sight.  The  father  believed  the 
child  would  never  forget  the  circumstance.  The  girl  was 
from  the  House  of  Refuge  in  New- York.    The  House  of 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  285 

Refuge  is  a  noble  institution,  doing  much  for  the  rescue 
and  salvation  of  juvenile  delinquents.  Its  founders,  and 
overseers,  and  officers,  deserve  credit  for  doing  much  to 
prevent  crime ;  and  it  is  always  unfortunate  when  such  a 
case  as  this  occurs.  It  ought  not  to  discourage  them,  but 
induce  them  to  seek  the  conversion  to  God  of  each  child 
under  their  care  before  they  are  sent  out  to  service  places. 

•'  This  fact  shows  how  easily  the  young  infant  in  the 
nursery  may  be  polluted  by  domestics.  Parents  ought 
never  to  take  it  for  granted  that  their  children  are  igno- 
rant and  out  of  danger,  and  therefore  omit  to  give  them 
proper  instruction.  O  how  v^atchful  they  ought  to  be,  and 
not  suffer  little  boys  and  girls  to  sleep  together  in  the  same 
bed.  Brothers  and  sisters  are  often  put  in  the  same  bed 
till  they  are  of  considerable  age.     This  is  wrong. 

''Rome,  1th. — The  records  of  some,  if  not  of  all  the 
churches  in  this  village,  will  show,  that  out  of  the  world 
licentious  persons  have  united  themselves  to  the  church  ; 
but  their  iniquity  could  not  be  hid.  It  is  said  that  some 
of  these  wicked  deceivers  have  cast  off  all  shame,  and  are 
now  openly  abandoned,  some  of  them  on  the  town,  in  the 
city  of  New-York.  O  for  a  purifying  of  the  church  ! 
that  the  wickedness  of  the  wicked  may  find  them  out. 

"  Public  prostitutes  often  come  into  this  village  and  take 
up  their  abode  with  men  as  vile  as  themselves.  There  are 
at  the  least  two  public  brothels  in  the  town,  and  an  old 
barn  in  the  vicinity  of  the  village  might  be  added  to  the 
number,  which  is  used  as  a  rendezvous  for  profligates. 
Several  harlots  have  been  imprisoned,  but  being  liberated, 
they  returned  again  to  their  vicious  habits.  This  shows 
the  importance  of  a  State  Asylum  for  them,  on  the  prin- 
ciple and  plan  of  a  State  Prison  at  Auburn,  and  of  mak- 
ing their  conduct  a  criminal  offence. 

"  The  canal  is  a  source  of  great  corruption.  The  Sab- 
bath is  polluted.  There  are  professors  of  religion  v^rho 
own  boats  which  work  on  the  Sabbath.    This   is  just  as 


286  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

the  devil  would  have  it.  Such  professors  of  religion  are 
building  up  the  kingdom  of  Satan — they  are  destroying 
the  kingdom  of  Christ  as  much  as  in  them  lies — they 
shall  receive  the  re\Yard  of  their  hands.  Chastity  is  viola- 
ted on  the  canal.  Of  the  boats  on  the  canal,  it  is  by  some 
intelligent  persons  supposed  that  there  are  between  one 
thousand  and  fifteen  hundred  prostitutes  on  boats,  and 
perhaps  five  hundred  virtuous  women,  in  the  character  of 
cooks,  cabin-girls,  &c.  Also,  there  are  brothels  on  the 
canal  between  Rome  and  Whitesborough ;  and  between 
Whitesborough  and  Utica  there  is,  or  recently  was,  one 
brothel  near  the  canal.     It  was  a  public  house. 

"  Went  to  the  Synod  ;  was  invited  to  sit  as  a  correspond- 
ing member  from  the  Synod  of  New-York.  Asked  for 
liberty  to  make  some  statements  on  the  subject  of  Moral 
Reform.  Monday  next,  at  two  o'clock,  was  assigned. 
B.  P.  Johnson,  Esq.  accompanied  me,  who  wished  to 
know  the  truth  in  reference  to  certain  charges  preferred 
against  me  by  the  New- York  Female  Benevolent  Society. 
Persons  connected  with  that  Society  had  been  in  Rome, 
and  had  there  circulated  slanderous  reports  against  me. 
Staid  at  the  Rev.  Mr.  Sedgwick's,  in  Rome. 

"  Monday,  2d,  P.  M. — Met  the  Synod  of  Utica,  and  ad- 
dressed them — spoke  about  one  hour.  The  lower  part  of 
the  brick  church  was  nearly  filled  with  gentlemen  and 
several  ladies.  The  Lord  helped  me  to  speak  with  ease 
to  myself,  so  as  to  secure  close  attention  from  the  au- 
dience. 

"A  physician  in  this  region  was  indicted  some  years 
since  for  procuring  an  abortion,  and  escapes  punishment 
merely  because  the  character  of  a  witness  was  esteemed 
to  be  impure.  He  still  lives  and  practices  medicine  in 
this  country,  though  his  awful  crime  is  publicly  known. 
O  how  many  a  wicked  man  escapes  punishment  in  this 
world  !  There  is  a  judgment  to  come,  when  the  wicked 
will  be  arraig^ned,  and  to  their  indictment  will  plead  guilty  ; 


REV.    JOHN    R.    M'dOWaLL.  2S7 

fbr  30  clear,  positive,  convincing,  and  powerful  will  be  the 
evidence  of  their  criminality,  that  they  will  cry  out,  "  I 
have  destroyed  myself." 

"  In  the  fall,  when  the  canal  is  closed  and  the  boats  are 
laid  up,  about  ten  thousand  persons  are  thrown  out  of  the 
canal  into  the  country  until  the  canal  is  opened  in  the 
following  spring.  Of  these  ten  thousand,  about  tv/o  thou- 
sand are  females,  the  majority  of  whom  are  reputed  har- 
lots;  about  three  thousand  are  boys  who  drive  teams,  and 
they  are  reputed  to  be  full  of  all  manner  of  vice :  and 
about  five  thousand  navigate  the  boats,  and  most  of  them, 
probably,  find  employment  among  the  farmers  or  me- 
chanics. 

*'  There  are  respectable,  pious  persons  on  the  canal ; 
there  are  also  moral  persons.  Allowing  there  are  two 
thousand  virtuous  persons,  (which  is  more  than  the  opin- 
ions of  those  with  whom  I  converse  justify  me  in  suppo- 
sing,) then  consider  the  immoral  influence  of  four  thou- 
sand wicked,  lewd,  profane  Sabbath-breakers  let  loose 
upon  the  population  in  the  northern  and  w^estern  parts  of 
the  state  of  New- York.  The  number  must  exceed  eight 
thousand,  if  the  northern  canal  be  taken  into  the  account. 
Who  but  God  can  measure  the  pernicious  extent  of  the 
lewd,  profane  influence  which  the  three  thousand  boys 
must  exert  over  the  boys  with  whom  they  associate  in 
the  towns  within  sixty  or  seventy  miles?  Who  can  cal- 
culate the  pestilential  influence  of  about  one  thousand 
harlots?  Who  can  compute  the  amount  of  corruption 
which  thousands  of  licentious  boatmen  wiJl  scatter } 
Surely  there  is  good  cause  why  the  virtuous  in  this  region 
should  awake  in  sober  earnest  to  the  cause  of  Moral  Re- 
form, Sabbath-keeping  and  temperance. 

"  September  7th. — Was  sick  :  confined  to  my  bed  at  Dr. 
Clark's.  lOih.  Received  a  letter  from  my  brother  Ebe- 
nczer  respecting  the  Report  for  the  Troy  Female  Moral 
Reform  Society.    Intended  to  have  gone  to  Fabius,  Scott, 


288  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

Auburn,  Middlesex,  Greenville,  Clarksville,  and  Roches 
ter,  to  attend  associations  of  Baptist  ministers  in  those 
places  ;  but  shall  only  be  able  to  attend  the  Rochester 
association,  as  my  time  will  be  otherwise  occupied. 

''September  l2tIi,Whitesborough. — President  Green  took 
me  to  where  I  preached  on  the  subject  of  chastity :  some 
sensitiveness  on  the  subject.  The  house  is  owned  by  dif- 
ferent denominations.  'A  Methodist  class-teacher  left  the 
house,  and  was  followed  by  two  or  three  other  men.  What 
an  abomination  !  A  teacher  in  God's  house  to  frown  on 
God's  truth  !    Horrible  ! 

''September  20tli. — Preached  for  the  Rev.  xVIr.  Pettibone, 
the  Presbyterian  minister,  on  the  subject  of  licentiousness. 
Heard  that  some  females  went  to  the  Baptist  meeting  to 
avoid  hearing  the  subject  discussed:  said  certain  young 
men,  we  now  know  enough  to  excite  our  suspicions  of 
certain  females.  Perhaps  this  insinuation  is  cruel — per- 
haps it  is  well-founded.  As  to  the  discourse,  it  was  appa- 
rently w^ell  received.  In  my  discourse,  I  stated  the  results 
of  investigations  in  the  town  to  be — 

"  \st.  That  about  one  dozen  houses  in  Whitesborough 
had  been  recently  occupied  at  intervals,  and  for  short 
periods,  as  brothels. 

"•2d.  That  sometimes  one,  two, or  more  females, tenanted 
each  house,  till  public  opinion  banished  them  from  that 
town  into  the  next;  then  public  sentiment  in  the  neigh- 
boring town  banished  out  of  itself  its  own  vile  women, 
who  came  into  Whitesborough ;  and  that  this  was  an  illus- 
tration of  the  state  of  things  in  most  or  all  the  towns  on 
the  canal. 

♦'  od.  That  on  the  borders  of  the  canal,  between  Buffalo 
and  Albany,  judging  from  the  facts  obtained  in  Whites- 
borough, there  are  more  than  four  hundred  temporary 
brothels,  and  more  than  eight  hundred  straggling  harlots. 

"  Ath.  That,  according  to  the  estimate  of  some  intelligent 
people,  there  were  on  the  canal  not  less  than  two  thousand 


REV.    JOHN    R.     M  DOWALL.  289 

boats  of  ten  thousand  persons,  'two  thousand  of  whom 
were  females,  probably  not  five  hundred  of  them  were 
chaste,  and  not  probably  five  hundred  men  and  boys  were 
moral,  making  in  all  eleven  thousand  six  hundred  licen- 
tious persons  who  are  continually  upon  the  canal  navi 
gating  the  boats  on  it.  This  statement  may  be  too  high 
or  too  low  ;  I  merely  give  the  result  of  facts  which  have 
been  stated  to  me  by  intelligent  persons. 

"  To  the  above  I  added  that  one  hundred  persons  or  more, 
laboring  under  the  disease  attendant  on  lewdness,  had 
applied  to  physicians  in  Whitesborough  the  year  past,  and 
many  others  in  like  condition  apply  only  to  persons  who, 
having  had  the  disease,  prescribe  for  the  complaint.  Most 
of  these  disseased  ones  are  from  the  canal. 

"Supposing  the  canal  to  be  three  hundred  and  seventy 
miles  long,  and  Whitestown  ten  miles  long,  and  that  each 
ten  miles  on  the  Erie  canal,  on  an  average,  including  the 
cities  and  large  villages  on  its  borders,  is  equally  infected, 
it  follows  that  there  are  on  the  Erie  canal  and  on  its  bor- 
ders three  thousand  seven  hundred  persons  diseased  by 
licentiousness. 

''September  2od. — Sent  my  Report  to  Troy,  New- York, 
to  my  brother,  and  left  for  Rochester,  one  hundred  and 
sixty  miles  from  this  place. 

♦•O.  R.  Parker,  of  Oneida  Institute,  states  that  a  common 
school  teacher  in  Jefferson  county,  presented  before  a  young 
lady,  a  member  of  his  school,  a  book  of  a  vile  character, 
and  opened  at  one  of  its  licentious  plates  in  school  hours. 

"  Rev.  Mr.  Pettibone,  of  Whitesborough,  said  that  a  boy 
about  fourteen  years  old  had  an  obscene  book  while  a  stu- 
dent in  his  school ;  that  the  boy,  on  coming  to  manhood, 
became  an  abandoned  wretch. 

•'  Dr.  Clark  states,  that  a  young  man  in  his  office  was 
polluted  by  an  obscene  snufT-box ;  was  led  into  the  com- 
pany of  bad  women,  and  ruined.  He  was  a  professor  of 
religion. 

25 


290  MEMOln    OF    THE 

♦'  About  four  weeks  since,  three  prostitutes  were  arrested 
in  a  house  near  the  east  end  of  the  town,  and  imprisoned 
in  the  county  jail  in  this  village.  Two  days  after  their 
imprisonment,  two  children  were  the  only  occupants  of  the 
house.  One  child  was  three  years  old,  the  other  five. 
During  these  two  days,  these  two  children  had  no  food  ex- 
cept what  they  begged.  The  mother  had  an  infant,  and 
took  it  to  the  prison.  Some  months  before,  her  husband 
was  arrested  and  put  in  prison  for  stealing. 

"  Five  merchar.ts  were  on  the  boat  on  the  Erie  canaL  At 
Lockport  they  took  a  harlot  on  the  boat,  and  discharged 
her  after  she  had  gone  twenty-four  miles  with  them. 

"  They  became  diseased  before  they  reached  Utica,  and 
employed  a  physician.  One  stopped  till  he  was  restored 
to  health-  the  others  went  on,  and  suffered,  and  some 
came  nigh  to  the  gate  of  death. 

"  In  Whitesborough,  several  boys,  some  only  about  four- 
teen years  old,  and  others  more  aged,  have  been  under 
medical  treatment  by  this  sinful  disease,  in  1835;  also 
more  aged  persons.  Probably  not  less  than  fifty  cases 
have  occurred  in  the  village  this  year.  The  canal  is  the 
grand  corrupter.  Utica,  too,  exerts  a  polluting  influence 
on  the  place.  Some  Orishany  and  Utica  boys  call  on  phy- 
sicians in  this  village ;  also  persons  from  a  greater  dis- 
tance. 

•'  There  is  a  young  man  novt^  diseased  in  this  town.  He 
went  to  Buffalo,  and  ignorant  of  the  arts  and  the  end  of 
the  lewd,  he  fell  under  their  influence,  and  is  now  at  his 
father's,  a  diseased,  emaciated,  and  miserable  w' retch ;  a 
bitterness  to  her  that  bore  him — a  shame  to  his  father— 
and  burden  to  himself. 

"  A  doctor  of  divinity  told  me  that  nearly  a  dozen  minis- 
ters of  the  Gospel  (of  different  denominations)  had  been 
deposed  from  the  ministry  for  their  licentiousness,  in  the 
counties  of  Albany,  Rensselaer,  and   Schenectady.    He 


REV.    JOHN    R.     m'dOWALL.  201 

repeated  the  names  of  these  licentious  ministers,  and  told 
me  he  knew  the  men.* 

"  An  agent  for  my  Journal  told  me  that  he  called  at  a  cer- 
tain place,  to  ask  permission  to  hold  a  meeting  in  the 
house  of  worship  there.  The  chief  man  refused  to  let  him 
have  the  house,  adding,  there  is  none  of  the  vice  of  licen- 
tiousness in  this  place. 

"  The  agent  passed  on,  and  learned  at  the  next  place  at 
which  he  stopped,  that  the  brother  of  the  man  who  told 
him  that  there  was  no  vice  in  the  place,  was  an  elder  in 
that  church,  and  that  this  elder  had  seduced  a  minister's 
daughter;  that  this  elder  was  allowed  to  retain  his  stand- 
ing without  being  disciplined;  that  the  church  w^as  groan- 
ing under  the  influence  of  his  sin,  and  dwindling  away  ; 
and  that  the  wicked  scoffed  at  religion.  This  church  is 
in  Western  New- York.  The  case  I  record  as  correctly 
as  my  memory  enables  me  to  relate  it.  Perhaps  I  have 
added  or  omitted  some  important  part:  if  so,  I  have  not 
knowingly  done  it. 

Erie  Cmial. 

''September  ^ith. — Conversed  with  the  helmsman  on  the 
boat.  He  confessed  that  he  was  lewd  ;  and  he  expressed 
his  opinion  that  most  of  those  who  navigated  boats  were 
licentious.  Several  years  since  he  went  with  a  number  of 
youths  to  New- York ;  that  they  took  him  into  a  brothel. 
All  except  one  were  soon  after  diseased. 

'•  Sept.  2(jtk,  Rochester,  New-YorJc.~Arr\ved  at  6  A.  M. 
put  up  at  the  Clinton  House.  Common  fame  says,  that 
about  four  miles  from  Rochester  there  is  a  house  where 
certain  lewd  persons  of  the  baser  sort,  though  at  the  very 
top  of  society,  associate  for  impure  purposes.  Ladies  of 
unquestionable   reputation    visit    the    place.      There   arc 

*  Probably  the  Editor  of  the  New-York  Observer  had  not  heard 
of  this  when  he  stated,  since  Mr.  M'DowalTs  death,  that  more  minis- 
ters had  become  licentious  since  the  publication  of  Mr.  M'DowaH's 
Journal  than  had  been  known  to  be  for  many  years  preceding, 


292  KEMOIR    OF    THE 

springs  near  the  house,  and  medicinal  properties  attributed 
to  the  waters. 

"  A  stage  driver  kept  girls  in  Rochester  for  lewd  men. 
He  boarded  the  females  in  virtuous  families.  He  had  se- 
veral women  in  his  custody.  He  stole  from  one  of  them, 
and  fled  for  safety.  It  was  his  custom  to  seek  out  men  for 
these  women.  At  one  of  the  hotels  in  this  city,  a  waiter 
used  to  receive  money  from  strangers  putting  up  at  that 
hotel  to  furnish  them  with  women.  A  root  doctor  was  in- 
dicted for  procuring  abortions  in  this  city.  He  boasted  of 
having  procured  sixty-six  in  a  few  months.  The  trial 
never  came  on.  It  was  suppressed,  but  known  to  those 
who  managed  the  public  prosecution. 

"  A  physician  said  that  he  believed  one  half  of  Roches- 
ter was  guilty  of  licentiousness. 

"  At  the  High  School  in  Rochester  an  obscene  box  was 
passed  round  among  the  scholars  and  young  ladies.  One 
young  man  saw  it  and  frowned  upon  it.  A  price  was 
asked  for  a  sight  of  such  things,  and  children  asked 
their  parents  for  money  to  see  the  lewd  sight.  Children 
kept  the  show ;  children  bought  those  articles  in  Roches- 
ter, of  one  who  kept  them  for  sale.  A  pastor  said  it  was 
difficult  to  get  discipline  enforced  against  licentious  church 
members.  I  have  heard  of  one  church  in  this  place  that 
has  one  or  more  members  undoubtedly  of  lewd  character, 
and  still  the  guilty  member  retains  a  standing  in  the 
church.  I  saw  a  man  in  Rochester  who  was  recently  de- 
posed from  the  ministry  for  riding  about  the  country  v/ith 
a  woman  (as  his  wife,)  though  he  was  not  married  to  her. 
All  these  facts  admonish  us  of  the  frailty  of  human  nature, 
and  should  serve  as  beacons  to  warn  us  to  beware  of  tam- 
pering with  lewd  thoughts,  and  to  convince  us  of  the  ne- 
cessity of  being  pure — entirely  holy.  Lord,  surround  me 
with  such  circumstances,  and  impress  my  mind  with  such 
a  dread,  and  fear,  and  hate  of  sin,  as  effectually  to  protect 
me  at  all  times  from  the  commission  of  iniquity. 


REV.    JOKN    R.    m'dOWALL.  293 

^' Sept.  27 tk^  Rochester,  Neic-York — Preached  in  the 
Second  Baptist  church,  and  visited  the  jail — did  not  preach 
in  it.  It  has  a  more  clean  and  respectable  appearance 
than  many  other  jails  which  I  have  seen.  Attended  even- 
ing prayer-meeting  in  the  First  Presbyterian  church,  and 
took  no  part. 

"  28th. — Sav,'  a  kw  friends.  No  Female  Moral  Reform 
-Society  here — '  afraid  to  cast  licentious  ^men  out,'  said  a 
leading  lady,  'lest  these  licentious  men  should  go  into  the 
company  of  licentious  women.' 

"  Sept.  29th. — Monroe  Baptist  Association  met  here. 
Saw  the  prudential  committee — appointment  to  address 
the  Association  to-morrow,  at  11  o'clock. 

"  Sept.  SOtk. — At  half-past  1 1  o'clock  addressed  the  As- 
sociation, which  passed  the  following  resolutions  : 

" '  Whereas,  in  proportion  as  licentiousness  abounds,  it 
'exposes  cur  youthful  population  to  disgrace  and  ruin: 

*' '  Resolved,  That  a  more  decided  stand  ought  to  be 
'taken  by  all  th^e  friends  of  virtue  and  social  happiness  in 
favor  of  the  cause  of  Moral  Reform  ;  and  that  every  person 
who  tramples  on  the  rules  of  chastity,  or  violates  the 
seventh  commandment,  ought  to  be  looked  upon  by  our 
insulted  community  with  a  more  withering  frown  of  in- 
dignation than  the  thief  or  midnight  assassin  ;  and  that  le- 
gal enactments  ought  to  be  obtained  for  the  just  punish- 
ment of  the  crime  of  licentiousness :  and  also  of  all  per- 
sons engaged  in  making,  importing,  or  vending  licentious 
books  and  prints,  to  corrupt  and  destroy  the  youth  of  our 
land — and  that  we  recommend  the  "  Advocate  of  Moral 
Reform,"  published  by  the  New- York  Female  Moral  Re- 
ligious Society,  to  the  patronage  of  the  community.' 

"  The  above  resolution  was  passed  by  the  Monroe  Baptist 
Association,  met  in  Rochester,  September  oOth,  1835. 

"Philander  Kilsey,  Clerk  of ; Association,  circulated 
about  one  hundred  numbers  of  the  Advocate,  and  some 
twenty  or  thirty  of  the  first  annual  report  of  the  Society. 
25* 


294  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

"  A  lady  said  I  ought  to  have  borne  down  on  licentious 
men ;  for  how,  said  she,  shall  we  protect  ourselves  ?  We 
are  degraded,  and  feel  so ;  nov/  let  the  men  be  so  too. 
How  just  her  remarks  !    I  thanked  her. 

•'  A  lady  invited  me  to  dine  with  her — the  teacher  in  the 
High  School.    She  found  four  licentious  books  (one  of 

them  was  F H )  in  the  hands  of  scholars  in  the 

school.  Boys  had  them.  Aided  by  a  gentleman,  she  took 
the  four  books  from  the  school  and  burnt  them.  Obscene 
snuff-boxes  were  in  the  possession  of  boys  in  the  school. 
Boys  bought  these  vile  things  in  Rochester,  at  a  place 
where  they  were  kept  for  sale. 

"Now  this  High  School  is  just  as  respectable  as  if 
these  wicked  boys  had  not  been  so  vile,  for  the  vile  books 
virere  not  circulated  in  the  school  by  the  teachers,  nor 
with  the  teachers'  consent ;  and  the  female  teacher,  with 
most  christian  and  commendable  vigilance  and  rule,  ex- 
ercised a  salutary  discipline  over  these  scholars.  The 
circulation  of  these  books  is  not  confined  to  this  school — 
other  schools  share  in  the  common  cause  of  the  circula- 
tion of  such  noxious  work. 

"  In  the  afternoon  I  received  the  following  letter  from  a 
pastor  present  at,  and  a  member  of  the  Association. 

'^Rochester,  September  30Lh,  1835. 
'Rev.  J.  R.  M'Dowall. 

"  Dear  Sir, — Your  statements  before  the  Association,  in 
reference  to  obscene  prints,  forcibly  impressed  my  mind 
of  a  fact  under  my  own  observation. 

"A  young  man  who  attends  my  ministry,  a  few  months 
ago  was  under  powerful  conviction.  He  labored  hard,  in 
connection  with  the  prayers  of  the  pastor  and  the  church, 
for  the  evidence  of  the  remission  of  sins.  In  a  few  days 
he  came  to  me  and  desired  my  confidence,  which  he  gain- 
ed. He  then  presented  me  with  an  obscene  book,  stating, 
'  Take  care  of  it — do  with  it  what  you  please ;  that  book,' 


REV.  JOHN  R.  m'dowall.  295 

said  he,  *  has  been  more  trouble  to  my  conscience  than  all 
my  sins  beside.'  He  is  now  rejoicing  in  hope  of  the  glory 
of  God. 

"  Yours  in  christian  purity, 

*'  Norman  Bentley." 


CHAPTER   XXIX. 


Journal  continued  while  onward  to  the  West — Return  to  New-York — 
Preparing  his  Defence — Brought  before  the  Presbytery. 

"  Left  Rochester  at  about  seven  P.  M.  for  Wyoming, 
N.  York,  to  attend  Ihe  Baptist  Association  at  Genessee, 
•held  at  Wyoming  village,  distant  about  fifty  miles  south  of 
Buifalo,  on  Lake  Erie.  Brother  Warren  gave  me  a  ride 
with  him  la  his  wagon.  Brother  George  A.  Avery's  wife 
provided  in  a  kind  manner  for  my  wants  in  Rochester,  by 
furnishing  me  a  room,  food,  and  washing.  The  Lord 
reward  that  family.  The  Female  Benevolent  Society  of 
New- York  city  exerts  an  influence  in  this  place ;  but  I 
am  tired  of  hearing  their  slang;  so  good  bye  to  the  New- 
York  Female  Benevolent  Society.  The  Lord's  will  be 
done  in  reference  to  them.    Amen  and  amen. 

"  October  1st,  1835. — Middle  of  the  afternoon  reached 
Wyoming,  and  preferred  my  request  to  be  heard  before  the 
body  on  Moral  Reform.  At  seven  P.  M.  met  the  pruden- 
tial committee. 

'*  Saw  the  Advocate  of  Moral  Reform  in  a  lawyer's  office 
at  Le  Roy,  N.York,  and  another  on  the  subject  of  the  slan- 
der of  the  New- York  Female  Benevolent  Society  against 
me ;  not  time  to  read  it, 

•*  The  village  of  Batavia  in  Genessee  county  is  reported 
to  be  a  very  licentious  place. 


296  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

"  October  2d,  1835. — In  the  afternoon  presented  the  suh- 
ject  of  Moral  Reform  to  the  Baptist  Association  of  Ge- 
nessee  county,  New- York.  The  Association  passed  the 
same  resolutions  which  were  passed  at  Rochester,  New- 
York,  on  the  oOih  September." 

Painfid  I ! ! 

«'  M '  W-- — ,  of  Catskill,   New-York  :    her  uncle 

thanked  me  for  what  I  had  done  for  her— she  ran  ell" 
again.  A  captain  of  a  sloop  enticed  her  away:  said  to 
have  died  in  Philadelphia. 

"  Left  Wyoming  in  the  evening  with  elder  Elliott's  bro- 
ther, a  Baptist  minister,  who  told  me  that  the  thick  and 
black  reports  from  the  Female  Benevolent  Society  induced 
him  not  to  send  me  $5,  which  he  had'designed  to  inclose 
for  and  send  to  me  in  a  letter,  and  that  he  believed  the' 
same  thing  was  true  of  other  individuals  who  designed  to 
send  money  to  me.  He  left  me  at  the  Methodist  meeting- 
house, where  Mr.  J.  Andrews  lectured  on  moral  reform. 
After  the  lecture  Mr.  Andrews  carried  me  to  his  residence 
in  the  village  of  Perry,  New-York,  where  we  arrived  at 
twelve  o'clock  at  night. 

"  October  od,  1835. — Am  very  dull  and  stupid  to-day  j 
no  mental  or  physical  energy.  Long  to  see  nry'  Utile 
family,  wife  and  child.  The  Lord  take  care  of  them,  and 
provide  for  their  temporal  comfort  and  spiritual  edification, 
and  sanctification  especiall3\ 

"  At  brother  J.  Andrews'  comfortably  provided  for.  Bro- 
ther Pha3nix  writes  to  the  Presbyterian  minister,  inviting 
him  and  his  flock  to  my  contemplated  lecture  on  the  evils 
of  licentiousness  to-morrow  (Sabbath)  evening ;  J.  Andrews 
writes  to  Warsaw,  New- York,  on  the  same  subject. 

"  A  young  man,  a  clerk  in  a  store,  about  six  years  ago 
had  a  licentious  book.  He  married  a  respectable  female 
about  two  or  three  years  since.    Since  his  marriage  he 


REV.    JOHN    R.    h'dOWALL.  297 

went  to  New- York  city,  and  by  illicit  connection  with  a 
harlot  became  diseased.  He  is  a  grief  to  her  he  had 
sworn  to  love,  and  to  whom  he  vowed  to  be  faithful :  he 
is  profane,  and  very  wicked. 

''Sabbath,  October  ith,  Perry,  New-York. — Am  better  in 
health.  It  rains,  and  has  rained  most  of  the  time  since 
Thursday.  Preached  about  one  hour  in  the  Baptist  house 
(Rev.  Mr.  Arthur's)  in  the  morning  to  a  very  respectable 
audience,  though  it  was  said  about  one  third  of  the  regular 
audience  was  detained  at  home  on  account  of  rain  and 
muddy  roads.    Subject  of  the  sermon — duty  to  expose  sin. 

"  Dined  with  the  pastor.  Afternoon,  preached  on  the  edu- 
cation of  children  in  reference  to  licentiousness.  Had  a 
larger  audience.  Evening,  went  to  Mr.  Phcrnix;  was  hos- 
pitably entertained  ;  rested  in  bed  about  two  hours,  being 
overcome  by  my  labors. 

"  Had  five  hundred  perhaps  as  an  audience  ;  most  of  the 
village,  including  most  of  the  loose  fellows  of  the  baser 
sort,  among  the  auditors.  Also  several  ministers,  (two 
Presbyterians) — a  most  intelligent  and  respectable  house. 
Preached  about  two  hours.    God  helped  me. 

"  Gave  me  a  collection  to  aid  me  in  the  prosecution  of 
ray  labors.  Brother  Andrews  gave  me  a  donation  ;  also 
Mrs.  Phffinix,  and  mother,  and  sister,  and  brother,  and 
son.  In  quite  good  health  to-night.  Want  to  see  my  little 
family.    O  God,  be  merciful  to  them  ! 

"  Brother  Andrews  tells  me  that  vile  youngsters  threat- 
ened on  Saturday  night  to  mob  me  if  I  preached  on  moral 
reform.    Not  a  doo^  moved  his  tonjjue.* 

*  Mr.  Andrews  says  of  Mr.  M'Dowall,  "  On  his  excursions  into 
that  section  of  the  country  in  October,  1835,  he  tarried  with  me  three 
nights  and  two  days,  and  preached  on  the  Sabbath,  upon  the  subject 
for  which  he  was  especially  devoted  and  set  apart,  in  the  Baptist  meet- 
ing-house in  this  place,  two  sermons  in  the  day-time  to  many  attentive 
hearers,  and  in  the  evening  to  an  overflowing  audience.  After  the  ser- 
vices of  the  evening  he  retired  to  my  dwelling,  and  seemed  over- 
whelmed  with  gratitude  to  God  for  the  privilege  he  assured  tne  he  had 


298  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

"  October  5ih. — Left  Perry  this  morning ;  arrived  early 
in  the  evening.  Went  to  monthly  concert — Rev.  Mr. 
Eddy's  church  (formerly) — prayed  for  the  slave. 

"  At  the  hotel  where  I  put  up  there  is  a  reading-room, 
the  walls  of  which  have  pictures  on  them  of  various  kinds.'* 

"After  Mr.  M' Do  wall  has  described  these  in  full,  he  adds, 
such  is  the  reading-room  of  the  principal  stage-house  in 
Canandaigua. 

'*  Left  Canandaigua  early  in  the  morning.  At  about  12 
o'clock  arrived  at  Ithaca.    Took  but  one  meal  to-day. 

"  I  long  to  be  home,  yet  want  to  attend  the  Anti-Slavery 
Convention  at  Utica  on  the  21st. 

''Oct.  7th,  \S35— Ithaca,  Ne7c-York.— The  classis  of 
Cayuga,  New- York,  (Reformed  Dutch  Church,)  fourteen 
churches  under  its  charge,  met  here  on  Tuesday. 

"  Rev.  Mr.  Mandeville,  (who  was  two  classis  in  Union 
College  before  me,)  being  a  member  of  classis,  preferred 
my  request  to  address  the  body.  At  about  ten  o'clock  A.  M. 
that  classis  had  voted  permission,  and  1  addressed  them. 

"  A  committee  of  Rev.  Dr.  A.  Yates,  Rev.  A.  Mande- 
ville, and  a  physician,  was  appointed  to  draft  resolutions  on 
Moral  Reform.  They  presented  their  report,  and  a  dis- 
cussion ensued,  in  which  I  was  permitted  to  take  a  part. 

never  enjoyed  before.  He  passed  the  most  of  the  night  (as  a  member 
of  my  family,  v^ho  overheard  him,  afterwards  informed  me)  in  prayer 
and  praise  to  God.  Notwithstanding  the  incessant  and  exciting  labors 
of  the  day,  and  the  sleeplessness  of  the  night,  he  was  ready,  at  an 
early  hour  the  foUov/ing  morning,  to  take  the  stage  for  the  east,  whicli 
he  did  with  many  a  heartfelt  prayer  for  blessings  on  his  head,  from 
hearts  deeply  impressed  and  truly  grateful  for  his  visit  and  labor  of 
love  among  us. 

''  JosiAH  Andrews." 

*  These  pictures  are  so  abominably  obscene,  that  though  they  are 
minutely  described  in  Mr.  M'Dowall's  Journal,  yet  a  delineation  of 
(hem  here  must  be  omitted.  Is  it  so,  that  in  the  country  where  litera- 
ture has  so  much  advanced  as  to  establish  a  reading  room,  thai  the 
eye  of  the  traveler  must  be  met  with  such  shocking  indecencies  !  ! 


REV.    JOHN    R.    M  DOWALL.  299 

i  spoke  about  one  hour  in  the  morning,  and  perhaps  half 
vin  hour  on  the  resolutions. 

Objections  by  some. 

•'  1st.   Details  forbidden, 

"  2d.    Exposure  is  like  theatrical  exhibitions. 

"  3d.   The  Moral  Reform  papers  have  done  injury. 

"  4th.  Bible  details  do  not  corrupt,  because  God 

sanctioned  those  details. 
**  5th.  I  answered  these  objections  at  length. 

Analysis  of  my  first  address, 

'•  Divorces,  -  -  -  $  4,000  a  year, 

"  Seductions,  -  -  -  40,000 

"  Lewd  women,  *  -  100,000 

"  Lewd  men,  -  -  -  500,000 

"Brothels,  -  *  -  10,000 

"Children,  -  -  -  100,000 

"Books, 

"  Deaths,  -  -  -  50,000 

"Expenses,  -  -  150,000,000 

"  Classis  passed  the  following  resolutions  : 

"  •  In  view  of  facts  tending  to  show  the  extent  of  licen- 
tiousness in  its  various  forms  throughout  our  own  land, 
but  particularly  in  cur  cities ;  and  believing  that  too  little 
attention  has  been  given  to  this  painful  but  delicate  sub- 
ject by  the  community  and  by  the  church— Therefore 

"  '  Resol  ved,  That,  as  a  classis,  we  regard  the  efforts  which 
have  been  made  by  benevolent  individuals  and  Moral  Re- 
form Societies  to  throw  light  on  the  hitherto  unexplored 
path  of  the  debauchee,  though  in  some  respects  unwise, 
and  as  such  to  be  regretted,  yet,  on  the  whole,  as  fitted  to 
operate  in  a  salutary  way  on  public  opinion  ;  and  on  this 


300  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

account  deserving  the  prayers  and  co-operation  of  all 
good  men. 

"  '  Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  and  earnestly 
urged,  and  hereby  is  recommended  and  urged  on  the  min- 
isters and  christians  in  our  communion,  to  put  forth  all  the 
prayerful  efforts  which  shall  be  deemed  prudent  to  storm 
the  current  of  pollution  which  threatens  to  deluge  our 
favored  land.' 

"  '  H.  Mandeville, 

Staled  Clerk  of  Cayuga  Classis. 

•"  October  8th,  1S35.»" 

''Ithaca,  Tompkins  County,  New-YorL— Staid  at  the 
Clinton  stage-house.  Left  for  Oswego,  New- York,  twen- 
ty-nine miles  south,  on  the  Oswego  rail-road.  At  about 
twelve  o'clock  arrived  at  Oswego.  Synod  was  closing,  and 
I  could  not  be  introduced  to  synod  and  be  heard.  Return- 
ed to  Ithaca.  A  meeting  in  the  session-room.  I  was  urged 
to  preach,  and  accepted.  One  of  the  elders  invited  me  to 
pass  the  night.  Declined,  and  staid  at  the  tavern. 

"  Ithaca,  Oct.  9th.— At  6  A.  M.  left  for  Cayuga  Bridge, 
forty-two  miles  north.    Took  the  packet  for  Montezuma 

took  a  line-boat  for  Westport.    At  Westport  took  the 

packet  for  Whitesborough.  At  Montezuma  there  were 
two  abandoned  women,  and  young  lewd  men  manifesting 
the  corruption  of  their  morals  by  joking  about  these  fallen 
daughters. 

"  At  Cayuga  Bridge,  a  gentleman,  and  stranger  to  me, 
asked  me  to  take  charge  of  a  young  lady  he  brought  to 
the  packet,  and  to  see  her  safely  to  Westport.  After  he 
left,  I  ascertained  that  he  was  minister  of  a  church  at 
Cayuga  Bridge.  This  circumstance  amazed  me,  viz. 
that  a  stranger  should  address  me  with  so  much  confi- 
dence, and  place  a  young  lady  under  a  stranger's  care. 

'•  Whitesborough,  Ntw-York,  Oct.  lOth. — Saturday — ar- 
rived here— received  the  hospitality  of  Dr.  Clark  and 


RBT.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  30 1 

Eev.  Mr.  Pettibone,  and  others.    Received  a  letter  from 

my  companion,  long  looked  for.  New- York  Mills,  one 
mile  and  a  half  from  Whitesborough.  Preached  in  the 
evening,  in  Rev,  Mr.  Lass'  church,  to  a  crowded  house. 
Wearied  in  body,  and  more  wearied  in  mind,  was  not 
fitted  to  preach ;  found  it  no  easy  or  satisfactory  task. 
Staid  at  brother  Wells' ;  Brother  Lass  stated  that  the  fa- 
thers held  a  meeting  last  week  in  the  village,  to  inquire 
into  the  state  of  morals  among  the  boys  of  the  place,  and 
that  he  was  petrified  at  the  disclosures.  Little  boys  had 
learned  obscene  songs  and  polluted  language.  These  boys 
go  down  to  the  canal  and  meet  the  drivers,  with  whom 
they  associate,  and  from  whom  probably  they  learn  their 
pollution.  A  committee  of  twelve  was  appointed  over  the 
i>oys — a  committee  of  vigilance.  The  agents  of  the  factory 
are  pious  men,  and  energetic  in  pro'moting  morals.  The 
next  day  after,  a  boy  was  reported  for  stealing  and  pro- 
fanity. His  case  was  reported  to  his  parents.  It  is  said 
that  this  factory  village  has  better  morals  than  any  like 
village  in  the  region ;  that  the  other  factory  villages  have 
loose  morals,  licentiousness  in  abundance,  the  agents  being 
from  Europe,  and  of  loose  morals. 

"  Many  different  creeds  abound  in  these  places,  in  some 
of  which  it  is  said  that  the  agents,  and  as  many  as  they  can 
prevail  upon,  actually  labor  on  the  Lord's  day. 

"  Whitesborough,  New-Y ork,  Oct.  \2th. — Left  in  a  little 
wagon  for  Utica,  and  at  Utica  took  the  stage  for  Schenec- 
tady— took  a  line-boat  for  Troy. 

"  The  cloak  of  Rev.  Mr.  Crane's  sent  back  to  brother 
Foote  at  the  seminary,  to  be  sent  to  Mr.  Crane.*  Arrived 
at  Albany,  and  put  up  at  the  Temperance  House, 

"  Albany,  New-  York,  Wednesday. — Last  night  at  synod ; 
requested  to  address  the  synod.  Committee  of  overtures 
took  it  into  consideration  and  reported  to  day,  that  synod 

*2Tim.4:13. 


^•02  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

had  expressed  an  opinion  on  Moral  Reform,  and  that  it 
vv'as  not  advisable  to  lake  up  the  subject  at  this  time,  and 
that  my  request  be  not  granted.  This  was  a  decent  way  to 
i^et  over  the  matter. 

"  Took  the  West  Chester  for  New  York,  and  got 
aground  about  two  or  three  miles  from  the  city.  Obtain- 
ed a  place  on  three  chairs  covered  with  the  slides  of  the 
table — disturbed  all  night.  In  the  morning,  I  tried  to  get 
up  a  debate  that  might  interest  and  instruct  the  passen- 
gers. A  committee  of  five  was  chosen  to  select  a  subject. 
The  committee  retired  and  brought  the  subject  of  slavery 
for  discussion  ;  but  was  soon  dismissed  by  the  noise  of 
rude  and  ill-natured  men  making  an  outcry. 

"  Is  it  morally  right  to  take  life  under  any  circumstances? 

"  This  question  was  fully  discussed  and  settled  in  the 
affirmative.  I  argued,  that  it  was  right  in  the  case  of 
murder.  Reasoned  it  from  the  fact  that  God  delegated  the 
right  to  man,  not  that  the  man  had  right  fer  se,  to  take,  or 
to  delegate  the  right  to  take  life:  that  this  delegated  right 
had  never  been  taken  away  :  that  death  was  the  strongest 
penalty  that  could  be  inflicted  on  a  criminal,  and  conse- 
quently the  strongest  motive  to  obedience ;  and  men  need 
the  strongest  motives  to  obedience,  to  protect  them  from 
evil,  and  to  protect  them  against  the  malice  of  men. 

"  Ought  the  liberty  of  speech  and  the  liberty  of  the  press 
to  be  restricted  by  law  !  i.  e.  ought  free  discussion  to  be  re- 
stricted by  law  on  any  subject  ? 

"  A  unanimous  vote  settled  the  question  that  free  discus- 
sion ought  not  to  be  restricted  by  law. 

"  The  slavery  question  then  came  up.  Mobocracy  in  spi- 
rit was  up — stamping  of  feet,  whistling,  &c.&c.  and  the  cap- 
tain was  called,  and  ordered  the  dispute  to  be  terminated. 
At  near  nine  o'clock  came  up  to  the  dock ;  found  my  lit- 
tle fomily  at  327  Pearl-street,  comfortably  provided  for  by 
the  New- York  Female  Moral  Reform  Society.  This  was 
unexpected.* 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  303 

"*  Sabbaih,  io'' clock, — Preached  on  the  tow-boat  at  the 
foot  of  Broad-street.  Feel  as  though  I  should  follow  it 
up.  With  Father  Brown  I  commenced  preaching  to  boat- 
men this  spring  on  the  East  River  side,  near  the  Washing- 
ton market. 

'*  Monday^  T'lcesday,  Wednesday  and  to  Saturday  get- 
ling  ready  to  study  anatomy. 

This  he  pursued  for  some  time,  attending  the  annual 
lectures  given  to  students  in  the  medical  college.  He  was 
shocked  at  the  principles  he  there  heard  promulgated  to 
the  students;  and  often  said,  no  inducements  could  prevail 
on  him  to  send  a  son  to  such  a  place  for  instruction.  The 
levity  over  the  dead  bodies  carried  there  for  dissection, 
was  calculated  to  harden  the  heart  of  the  inexperienced 
youth,  and  fit  him  for  any  work  of  barbarity.  But  the 
principles  were  what  most  filled  him  v.'ith  horror.  One 
fact  may  illustrate. 

A  lady  who  kept  a  boarding-house  in  New-York,  re- 
ceived into  her  family  a  youth  of  nineteen  to  board,  and 
soon  found  he  was  under  medical  treatment  inconsequence 
of  lewdness.  She  inquired  of  the  gentleman  who  intro- 
duced him  to  her  house,  if  he  knew  his  situation  when  he 
initiated  him  into  her  family.  The  answer  was,  he  did. 
He  had  been  well  acquainted  with  his  father,  who  was  a 
plain,  honest  farmer,  on  the  Green  Mountains  in  Vermont ; 
that  this  son  had  had  little  or  no  opportunities  of  knowing 
the  snares  of  the  wicked,  and  had  come  to  New-York  a 
few  months  since,  and  was  taken  unwell.  He  consulted 
a  physician,  and  the  physician  told   him  he  must  visit  a 

*  The  most  of  Mr.  M'D.nvall's  tour  !o  the  we.st  is  copied  for  i\ui 
bimefit  of  country  readers,  that  they  maj  see  the  danger  tlio  country 
is  in  from  ita  own  internal  resources  ;  and  that  the  cities  are  not  the 
only  evil-doers  in  the  work  of  pollution.  Did  cities  have  no  supplies 
from  the  country,  their  stock  would  soon  fail.  Were  there  no  country 
merchants  to  viuit  the  cities,  and  purchase  their  lewd  prints  and 
books,  and  visit  the  houses  of  infamy,  the  inducement  to  traffic  in  the 
chastity  of  v.  oraen  would  be  greatly  lessened. 


304  '   MEMOIR    OF    THE 

brothel  as  the  remedy,  and  beat  remedy.  He  did  so,  an^ 
the  result  was  sickness,  repentance,  and  shame.  The  lady 
went  to  Mr.  M'Dovvall  to  ask  advice,  saying,  the  youth  had 
confessed  his  folly  with  tears,  and  wished  to  stay,  because 
he  felt  friendless,  and  the  house  was  a  religious  one,  and 
he  dreaded  temptation.  But  do  you  believe,  she  insisted, 
that  a  physician  in  the  city,  however  depraved,  would  dare 
give  such  advice  ?  M'Dowall  answered  with  his  usual  de- 
cision, •'  Yes,  /  knoio  it,  I  will  tell  you  a  fact.  I  last 
year  attended  part  of  a  course  of  medical  lectures  by  the 
first  physicians  in  New- York,  and  students  from  various 
parts  of  the  country  attended.  I  heard  these  intelligent 
physicians  in  their  lectures  recommend  the  same  to  youth 
from  all  parts  of  our  land,  and  pretend  to  base  their  as- 
sertions on  physiological  principles.  I  withstood  them 
warmly,  and  incurred  their  displeasure." 

He  now  felt  it  his  duty  to  place  before  the  public  his 
situation  in  regard  to  Messrs.  Wheelwright  and  Starr,  and 
the  Benevolent  Society.  He  writes  thus  :  "  It  is  time  for  me 
to  speak  for  myself.  Moral  reform  is  greatly  suffering  by 
rumors  afloat  through  the  country  of  my  dishonesty:  I 
have  heard  much  in  my  travels,  the  summer  and  autumn, 
which  has  been  truly  painful.  Some  are  highly  incensed 
at  me,  and  some  are  demanding  the  money  to  be  refund- 
ed which  the  Benevolent  Society  have  claimed,  and  all 
are  in  ignorance  of  the  real  truth." 

Here  a  difficulty  arose,  though  not  new,  yet  not  the  less 
difficult  to  surmount.  He  had  no  money.  The  religious 
papers  in  the  city  refused  to  open  their  columns  to  publish 
his  communications,  and  the  penny  papers  were  his  only 
alternative.  And  these  would  not  publish  them  except 
as  advertisements,  which  was  very  expensive.  In  this 
dilemma,  what  could  he  do?  His  companion  said, 

"  Pray,  and  see  what  the  Lord  will  do ;  if  it  is  right  you 
should  do  it,  money  will  be  sent." 


REV.    JOHN    R.     M  DOWALL.  305 

In  a  day  or  two  from  this,  he  found  in  the  Pest  Oilice  a 
ktter  from  a  missionary  in  China^  the  Rev.  Mr.  — *-,* 
with  a  draft  on  a  bank  of  the  city  of  fifty  dollars. 

He  unhesitatingly  commenced,  and  from  time  to  time, 
as  he  needed,  donations  were  sent  in.  The  Moral  Reform 
Society  did  something  for  his  support,  a  widow  did  somf  - 
thing,  and  a  quakeress  lady  did  not  neglect  to  supply  a 
little  aid,  so  that  he  struggled  on  till  the  seventh  nunnber 
of  his  defence  called  forth  the  attention  of  the  third  pres- 
bytery, and  he  soon  found  himself  a  criminal  at  their  bar. 

The  details  of  that  trial  could  not  be  interesting  to  the 
public  in  this  place,  but  should  any  feel  anxious  to  ex- 
amine the  merits  of  that  case,  the  trial  is  already  in  print 
in  a  pamphlet  by  itself  These  were  dark  days — days 
which  the  few  solitary  friendsf  who  dared  to  stand  by  him 
will  not  soon  forget.    Said  one, 

"  1  could  do  nothing  but  thank  God  that  I  had  not  been 
left  to  be  among  his  persecutors." 

Another  remarked,  "  I  could  think  of  nothing  but  Christ 
before  Pilate's  bar." 

A  third,  '•  I  envy  M'Dov»all  his  crown." 

And  a  fourth,  who  looked  on  his  care-worn  dejected 
countenance,  "I  wish  that  his  martyrdom  would  be  speedi- 
ly finished,  and  he  be  spared  these  lingering,  relentless 
tortures  I" 

Reader,  you  have  read  the  story  of  Gethsemane  ;  you 
have  heard  the  Savior  pray,  "Father,  if  it  be  possible,  let 
this  cup  pass  from  me ;  nevertheless,  not  my  will,  but  thine 
be  done."    Then  follow  M'Dowall  to  his  loved  altar  of  fa- 

♦  The  letter  containing  the  draft  has  been  lost,  and  the  name  for- 
gotten. 

t  These  friends  were  the  Rev.  Mr.  Leavitt,  Esquire  Brown,  and  two 
or  three  others,  and  a  few  women  who  attended  the  trial.  Mr.  Lea- 
vitt staid  in  the  assembly  till  he  found  it  in  vain  to  maintain  the  con- 
test any  longer,  and  retired.  Esquire  Brown  was  his  faithful  adviser 
and  assfslant  through  all  his  litigated  contest?,  ably  and  boldly  defend- 
ing him  in  the  face  of  all  his  gainsayers;  and  this  without  any  reward^ 
26* 


306  MEMOIR    OF    THB 

mily  prayer,  and  hear  him  repeal  the  same  words ;  hear 
him,  while  his  soul  is  "exceeding  sorrowful,"  say,  "Fa- 
ther, forgive  them,  for  they  know  not  what  they  do." 

He  retired  from  the  assembly  ;  he  waited  his  sentence  in 
his  flimily.  little  doubling  the  result,  for  he  had  seen  the 
bitter  sneer,  he  had  heard  the  '*  rovilings  of  many,"  and 
felt  they  were  determined  not  "to  let  him  go."  It  came  ; 
he  bowed  in  prayerful  submission,  and  seemed,  as  the  roll- 
ing thunder  passed  by,  to  smile  through  his  tears  ;  to  gath- 
er up  his  soul  and  say.  Lord,  I  am  ready,  assign  me  my 
work,  and,  however  humble,  I  will  not  be  idle  in  thy 
vineyard. 


CHAPTER   XXX, 


The  result  and  Appeal. 


It  is  hoped  that  his  Appeal,  which  follows,  will  be  at 
tentively  read,  because  the  story  is  there  told,  by  his 
own  pen,  better  than  any  biographer  could  do  it.  The 
facts  there  slated  cannot  be  refuted:  and  though  to  some 
they  may  appear  dry,  yet  they  are  awfully  momentous.. 
Though  they  tell  you  not  his  sufferings,  yet  they  tell  you 
the  cause  of  his  sufferings.  They  tell  you  some  of  the 
"strange  acts''  of  those  who  sat  in  dignitied  state  in  that 
sanhedrim,  and  why  they  found  it  in  their  hearts  to  depose 
him  from  the  ministry.  They  tell  you  in  essence,  if  not 
the  same  words,  that  it  was  not  in  the  power  of  their  court 
to  "show  mercy  to  a  criminal."  They  tell  you  in  essence, 
that  the  spirit  of  persecution  is  the  same  in  all  ages, 
whether  in  a  Popish  Inquisition,  a  Presbyterian  Assem- 
bly, a  Baptist  Association,  or  a  Methodist  Conference  ;  and 
they  tell   you,  too,  the  dangerous   induence   of  woman, 


REV.    JOHN     R.    m'dOWALL,  307 

when  her  influence  is  not  on  the  side  of  truth  and  justice. 

Again,  it  is  requested,  read  this  Appeal — read  it  for  the 
sake  of  him  who  sleeps  in  the  dust,  and  has  carried  his 
cause  to  the  court  of  heaven,  where  he  will  have  a  fair  and 
impartial  hearing 

Read  it,  because  in  distant  parts  of  the  land  many  were 
induced  to  believe  that  so  many  great  and  good  men  and 
women  would  not  be  liable  to  err  in  judgment  or  in  prac- 
tice in  a  matter  of  so  much  moment. 

Read  it,  because  you  may  there  be  tauo'ht  that  "it  is 
better  to  trust  in  God  than  put  confidence  in  man,  yea,  in 
princes ;  and  that  there  may  be  found  practical  demonstra- 
tion that  great  men  are  not  always  wise. 


PROTEST,  CO.TIPLAIi^T  AND  APPJEAI., 

Of  the  Rev.  John  Robert  ArUowall,  of  the  Third  Pres- 
bytery of  New- York — against  that  Presbytery~to  the 
Synod  of  New-  York. 

(chapter  i) 

Circular  Letter— newspapers  containing  my  "  Defence"  laid  on  the 
table— Mr.  Wheelwright  anrt  two  or  three  ladies  of  the  Female 
Bible  Society  requested  the  Presbytery  to  meet  and  act  on  my 
"  Defence"— Mr.  Wheelwright  ofTcra  to  prosecute  me— Presbytery 
prevents  him,  and  then  they  prosecute  me  on  the  ground  of  Com- 
mon  Fame-Rev.  Mr.  White's  objections  to  Common  Fame-my 
opposition  to  Common  Fame— Committee  of  Inquiry  appointed— 
the  newspapers  referred  to  thcm-this  committee  reports  the  four 
charges  contained  in  the  Long  Island  Farmer  of  July  2D,  1835— 
Rev.  Messrs.  Ebenezcr  Mason  and  H.  G.  Ludlow,  committee  of 
prosecution- charges  in  the  Long  Island  Farmer  omitted  in  the 
indictment- private  complaints  of  Wheelwright  and  associateu 
tabled,  wrongfully,  as  the  complaints  of  Common  Fame. 

Fathehs  and  Bhetiiren  :  The  Third  Presbytery  of  New- 
York  were  convened  on  the  23d  day  of  February  last  past, 
by  virtue  of  the  following  circular  letter  : 


308  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

"  New-  York^  Feb.  9th,  1S36.— Dear  Sir.— You  are  re- 
quested to  attend  a  meeting  of  the  Third  Presbytery  of  New- 
York,  on  Tuesday,  23d  inst.  at  3  o'clock  P.  M.  in  the  lec- 
ture-room of  the  Bleecker-street  church,  to  consider  and  act 
as  shall  be  necessary  on  the  following  items  of  business,  viz. 
(among  others)  *  *  *  *  certain  articles  in  the  public 
papers,  purporting  to  have  been  written  by  Rev.  J.  R. 
M'Dowall."    *     *     *     * 

"  Chas.  Hall,  Moderator,''^ 

^  After  attending  to  other  business,  the  moderator  called  the 
notice  of  the  Presbytery  to  the  "  certain  articles  in  the  pub- 
lic papers  purporting  to  have  been  written  by  Rev.  J.  R. 
M'Dowall."  Hereupon  Mr.  John  Wheelwright,  an  elder 
from  the  Bowery  church,  and  a  member  of  the  presbytery, 
laid  upon  the  table  the  several  newspapers  said  to  contain 
those  "  certain  articles  "  now  to  be  considered  and  acted  upon. 
In  these  newspapers  were  several  "  articles  "  which  I  had  ad- 
dressed to  the  christian  public,  for  the  purpose  of  vindicating 
myself  from  several  grievous  calumnies,  supposed  to  be  put 
forth  by  Charles  Starr  and  John  Wheelwright,  or  others,  in 
connection  with  the  Female  Benevolent  Society  of  New- 
York.  These  calumnies  related  mostly  and  primarily  to 
transactions  in  ray  public  character,  as  the  General  Agent 
of  all  charitable  societies  and  individuals  engaged  in  the 
cause  of  Moral  Reform,  and  aiding  me,  during  the  years  1822 
and  1833.  These  public  transactions  brought  me  into  con- 
tact, and  ultimately  into  collision  with  the  said  Starr  and 
Wheelwright,  and  the  Female  Benevolent  Society. 

In  making  my  said  "  DEFENCE  "  to  the  christian  public, 
by  whom  I  had  been  fostered  and  supported,  and  to  whom  I 
was  accountable  as  their  General  Agent,  and  to  whom  the 
integrity  of  my  character  was  important,  I  was  necessarily 
led  to  speak  of  such  public  conduct  and  money  transactions 
of  the  said  Starr  and  Wheelwright,  and  of  the  said  Female 
Benevolent  Society  as  related  to  me  ;  and  to  disclose  "say- 
ings and  doings"  of  those  persons,  in  some  measure  deroga- 
tory to  their  character.  At  the  same  time  I  pledged  myself 
to  them  and  to  the  public,  that  in  case'it  should  appear  that 
3  had  made  any  mistake  in  my  statements,  either  as  to  fact, 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  309 

or  circumstance,  I  would,  on  their  pointing  it  out,  "most 
cheerfully  and  publicly  correct  the  error." 

Previous  to  my  said  defence,  the  public  had  been  harassed 
by  this  unhappy  contention  between  those  who  professed  to 
be  the  friends  of  Moral  Reform ; — and  they  demanded  ex- 
planations. My  patrons  and  friends  had  been  grieved  and 
mortified,  whilst  listening  to  rumors  and  charges  against  my 
moral  and  christian  character  put  forth  by  the  aforesaid  indi- 
viduals ;  and  they  demanded  of  me  an  explanation,  and,  if 
possible,  a  vindication.  This  call  was  long  and  loud,  and 
could  not  be  refused. 

In  the  latter  part  of  November  last  I  commenced  my  de- 
fence ;  eight  numbers  of  which  were  now  on  the  table  of 
the  Presbytery.  Mr.  John  Wheelwright,  an  Elder  from  the 
Bowery  church,  and  a  member  of  the  Presbytery,  rose  from 
his  seat  and  stated  that  he  and  some  two  or  three  ladies  of 
the  Female  Benevolent  Society  had  requested  that  the  Pres- 
bytery might  be  convened  for  the  express  purpose  of  consid- 
ering and  doing  what  was  thought  best  on  these  certain 
articles,  by  which  he  and  his  associates  were  aggrieved  ; 
and  that  he  was  then  ready,  if  the  Presbytery  thought  best, 
to  table  charges  against  the  Rev.  J.  R.  M'Dowall. 

This  course  of  proceeding  offered  by  Mr.  Wheelwright, 
on  behalf  of  himself  and  his  associates,  seemed  fair  and 
reasonable.  It  was  in  accordance  with  the  particular  busi- 
ness stated  in  the  circular ;  it  was  placing  himself  and  as- 
sociates before  the  Judicatory  on  equal  terms  with  myself; 
it  was  leaving  the  Tribunal  impartial  between  us,  and  un- 
committed to  either  party ;  it  was  leaving  the  parties  to  their 
own  several  resources,  and  rights,  and  responsibilities.  Pro- 
ceeding on  this  offer,  the  parties  would  have  been  Wheel- 
wright AND  OTHERS,  complainauts,  against  John  Robert 
M'DowALL,  defendant.  The  subject  matter  would  have 
been  the  contents  of  the  '•  certain  articles  ;"  and  both  parties 
would  have  been  restricted  to  lawful  and  disinterested 
witnesses. 

But  this  prospect  of  fairness  and  equity  soon  vanished. 
Mr.  Wheelwright  was  discouraged  by  the  Presbytery  from 
tabling  his  charges  :  he  was  informed,  in  open  Presbytery,  by 
the  Rev.  Absolom  Peters,  D.  D.  that  it  might  be  an  impru- 


310  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

dent  step,  as  he  would,  in  case  of  failing  to  make  out  his 
charges,  be  exposed  to  severe  censure.  The  Presbytery  now 
seemed  to  be  at  a  loss  what  course  to  pursue.  Rev.  Doctor 
Skinner  stated  that  he  had  been  informed  that  Doctor  Peters 
had  been  previously  applied  to,  to  digest  some  plan  to  con- 
duct this  business,  and  he  believed  he  had  got  a  plan  ;  and 
recommended  that  the  Presbytery  wait  till  Doctor  Peters 
should  come  in.  When  Doctor  Peters  came  in,  he  expressed 
his  opinion  at  large;  and  finally,  after  considerable  discre- 
pancy of  opinion,  the  Presbytery  decided  to  take  the  prose- 
cution into  their  ow7i  hands,  and  proceed  against  me  upon 
the  broad  ground  of  COMMON  FAUK.  The  "certain 
articles"  lay  upon  the  table  unread  and  unconsidered. 

Whereupon  a  motion  was  made  by  Rev.  H.  G.  Ludlow, 
for  the  appointment  of  a  committee,  on  the  ground  of  Com- 
mon Fame,  to  bring  in  the  charges  of  Common  Fame  against 
me,  and  that  the  "certain  articles"  be  referred  to  this  com- 
mittee. This  motion  was  opposed  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  White, 
upon  the  ground  that  for  the  Presbytery  to  proceed  against 
me  upon  the  broad  ground  of  Common  Fame,  would  be  a 
complete  departure  from  the  "particular  business"  specified 
in  the  Circular :  and  secondly,  that  the  complaints  uttered 
against  me  by  known  authors,  were  not  the  voice  of  Com- 
mon Fame,  but  the  voice  of  those  authors. 

I  also  protested  against  this  course  of  proceeding  as  being 
altogether  irregular  and  unconstitutional — and  as  being  a 
surprise  upon  the  Presbytery  and  the  parties :  and  informed 
the  Presbytery  that  I  should  take  a  firm  stand  against  it. 

The  motion  of  Mr.  Ludlow  was  carried  ;  and  a  committee 
of  five  appointed,  to  wit :  Rev.  Messrs.  Peters,  Patton,  White, 
Skinner,  and  Mr.  Holbrook.  This  committee  reported  as 
follows,  to  wit : 

"  The  committee  to  whom  were  referred  sundry  papers  said 
to  refer  to  the  Rev.  J.  R.  M'Dowall,  report  that  they  have 
read  several  of  the  said  papers,  and  find  that  they  contain 
charges  widely  circulated,  and  often  repeated  against  Mr- 
M'Dowall,  which,  if  true,  are  highly  injurious  to  his  minis- 
terial and  christian  character.  The  substance  of  these  charges 
is  contained  in  the  '  Long  Island  Farmer '  of  July  29th,  1835. 
The  charges  have  been  copied  in  several  other  papers  in  this 


REV.    JOHN    R.    M  DOWALL.  311 

cily,  and  in  different  parts  of  the  country,  and  have  been  an- 
swered by  Mr.  M'Dowall,  in  the  Long  Island  Farmer,  in  a 
series  of  letters  over  his  own  signature,  which  answers  also 
have  been  published  in  some  of  the  penny  papers  of  this  city 
and  elsewhere.  Injurious  reports  have,  by  these  means,  been 
widely  extended  ;  and  amount,  in  the  opinion  of  your  com- 
mittee, to  Common  Fame  against  Mr.  M'Dowall,  and  cali 
the  investigation  of  this  Presbytery." 

The  Rev.  A.  Peters.  D.  D.  chairman  of  the  committee, 
followed  up  this  report  by  reading  to  the  Presbytery,  out  of 
the  Long  Island  Farmer  the  four  specified  charges,  and 
the  Editor's  comments  thereupon.  The  report  was  accepted, 
and  the  committee  discharged. 

These  offences,  as  stated  in  the  Long  Island  Farmer  of 
July  29th,  1835,  are  as  follow^s  : 

(1.)  "That  he  inhumanly  caused  one  Mahala  Lake,  a 
penitent  female,  while  she  w^as  sick  and  destitute  of  neces- 
sary clothing,  and  living  in  his  family,  to  go  about  the  streets 
of  New-York,  during  the  last  severe  snow  storm  of  last  win- 
ter, to  sell  papers  for  him ;  whereby  she  caught  her  death 
cold,  of  w^hich  she  died  in  May  last.  (2.)  That  he  has  de- 
frauded the  Female  Benevolent  Society  of  money.  (3.) 
That  he  has  defrauded  the  Female  Moral  Reform.  Society 
of  sundry  articles  of  clothing.  (4.)  That  he  has  done  other 
scandalous  things,  too  bad  to  name."' 

The  Presbytery  having  now  ascertained  by  this  Committee 
of  Examination  that  Common  Fame  charged  me  with /owr 
offences,  contained  in  the  Long  Island  Farmer — "  There- 
upon Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  for  the  pur- 
pose of  ascertaining  and  tabling  the  charges  of  Common 
Fame  against  the  said  M'Dowall,  according  to  the  fourth  sec- 
tion of  the  General  Rules:"  Messrs.  Ebenezer  Mason  and 
H.  G.  Ludlow  were  this  committee ;  the  special  business 
of  their  appointment  was  plain  and  obvious  from  the  re- 
solution. 

But  this  committee,  w-holly  overlooking  the  charges  of 
Common  Fame,  as  stated  in  the  Long  Island  Farmer,  and 
as  ascertained  by  the  preceding  committee — wholly  forgetting 
their  commission  "  to  table  the  charges  of  Common  Fame 
against  the  said  M'Dowall  "—passing  by  the  whole  subjeci 


3l2 


MEMOIR    OF    THE 


matter  referred  to  them,  they  in  fact  volunteered  to  return 
back,  without  orders  or  authority,  to  the  "  certain  articles," 
and,  on  behalf  of  Wheelwright  and  his  associates,  extract 
from  those  "certain  articles  "  their  pHyaie  comjplaints  against 
me,  almost  in  their  very  words.  They  wrongfully  impute 
these  complaints  of  Wheelwright  and  others  to  Common 
Fame.  Common  Fame  never  heard  of  them:  they  were  con- 
fined to  the  Female  Benevolent  Society,  and  within  their 
narrow  circle  of  friends,  managers,  and  advisers.  "Com- 
mon Fame,"  say  they,  "  charges  the  Rev.  J.  R.  M'Dowall 
with,"  &c.  This  was  unfounded  in  truth  and  in  fact.  Com- 
mon Fame,  it  is  admitted,  charged  him  with  the  Long  Island 
offences,  as  found  by  their  first  committee  of  inquiry;  but 
not  with  unchristian  conduct — nor  with  intentional  misrepre- 
sentation— not  with  slander  in  defending  himself  against 
those  charges.  On  this  subject  Common  Fame  actually  ac- 
quitted me,  and  charged  the  wrong  home  upon  Starr  and 
Wheelwright  and  the  Female  Benevolent  Society.  My  cha- 
racter was  now  cleared,  and  theirs  was  implicated.  They 
felt  that  the  public  voice  applauded  me,  and  cried  aloud 
against  them.  In  fact,  at  the  time  of  the  convening  of  the 
Presbytery,  the  current  of  public  opinion  was  changed,  and 
Common  Fame  charged  me  with  no  offence.  And  yet  to 
give  to  the  Presbytery  the  color  of  jurisdiction  over  the  pri- 
rate  complaints  of  individuals — complaints  which  the  com- 
plainants will  not  venture  to  table.  Common  Fame  is  brought 
in  to  take  the  place  of  real  complainants. 

I  pray  the  Synod  to  look  especially  at  the  ca,piio7i  of  this 
indictment :  "  charges  preferred  by  the  Third  Presbytery  of 
New-York,  upon  the  ground  of  COMMON  FAME,  against 
the  Rev.  John  R.  M'Dowall :"  and  then  bearing  this  in  mind, 
to  read  the  twenty  specifications  in  the  tabled  charges,  al! 
relative  to  the  controverted  points  between  myself  and  my 
opponents  j  and  all,  prima  facie,  capable  of  explanation  and 
defence. 


REV.    JOHN    R,    m'dOWALL,  313 


CHAPTER  11. 


Bad  spirit  imputed  to  me— parties  changed  to  protect  Wheelwright 
and  to  use  him  as  a  witness — assuming  my  case  as  one  of  gross 
wrong— notice  to  the  Presbytery  that  I  should  complain  to  Synod: 
Reason  Ist,  departure  from  the  particular  business  specified  in  the 
circular.  2d,  neglect  and  refusal  to  table  and  investigate  the  four 
charges  named  in  the  Long  Island  Farmer.  3d, tabling  on  the  ground 
of  Common  Fame  a  new  set  of  charges  not  recognized  by  Common 
Fame.  4th,the  Presbytery  has  no  jurisdiction, on  the  ground  of  Com- 
mon Fame,  over  statements  in  my  "  Defence  "  alleged,  by  the  parly 
implicated,  to  contain  a  bad  spirit,  intentional  misrepresentation 
and  slander — these  offences  not  being  of  that  description  of  offences 
proper  for  the  cognizance  of  a  judicatory  on  the  ground  of  Com- 
mon Fame.  5th,  The  alleged  Common  Fame  on  which  they  pro- 
secuted me  is  only  a  general  rumor  among  the  friends  of  Wheel- 
wright and  his  associates. 

As  to  the  bad  spirit  said  to  be  manifested  by  me  in  that 
"  Defence,"  I  say  nothing — the  imputation  is  gratuitous  ;  and 
if  the  statements  and  disclosures  in  my  "Defence"  be  sub- 
stantially correct,  as  I  do  solemnly  aver  they  are,  then  the 
imputation  is  undeserved. 

The  Synod  will  perceive  that  the  Presbytery,  by  assum- 
ing the  position  of  prosecutors  under  the  name  of  Common 
Fame,  instead  of  permitting  Mr.  Wheelwright  to  take  the 
responsibility  of  tabling  his  own  charges,  have  wholly 
changed  the  scene— and  the  parties — and  the  mode  of  attack 
and  defence.  Hitherto  the  contest  had  been  carried  on  by 
the  real  parties,  in  their  own  names,  without  mask  or  dis- 
guise—it was  John  Wheelwright  and  others  against  John 
R.  M'Dowall.  But  now  the  real  complainants  are,  by  the 
Presbytery,  prudently  withdrawn,  lest  they  might  incur  cen- 
sure, and  for  other  purposes,  as  it  subsequently  appears ;  and 
the  Tribunal  take  it  upon  themselves  to  assume^  that  in  this 
contest  with  my  opponents,  mine  is  a  notorious  case  of  gross 
wrong,  every  where  bruited  by  Common  Fame.  But  sup- 
posing this  Tribunal  had  been  partial  to  me,  (I  put  it  as  a 
27 


314  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

mere  supposition,)  suppose  they  hid  been  partial  to  me,  and 
had  assumed  that  Wheelwright  and  his  associates  had,  in 
fact,  been  guilty  of  slandering  and  defrauding  me.  and  that 
they  were  so  charged  by  Common  Fame — and  suppose  this 
Tribunal  had  placed  them  in  the  culprit's  box,  and  me  on 
the  judge's  bench  and  witness'  stand— how  wonderfully 
this  would  have  "  altered  the  case  !"  And  how  justly  and 
righteously  would  Wheelwright  and  his  associates  have  com- 
plained of  that  partiality  !  And  how  differently  would  the 
two  parties  have  now  stood  before  the  public  ! 

Such  being  the  facts  in  this  case,  and  such  the  course  of 
proceedings  adopted  against  me  by  the  said  Presbytery,  I 
gave  them  notice  of  my  intention  to  complain  and  appeal  to 
this  Synod.  I  do  hereby  protest  and  complain  against  all  the 
aforesaid  doings  of  the  said  Presbytery,  and  do  hereby  appeal 
from  them  to  this  Synod ;  and  I  do  specify  the  following 
reasons  (among  others)  for  my  said  complaint  and  appeal: 

I.  When  the  Presbytery  decided  to  prosecute  me  upon 
the  broad  ground  of  Common  Fame,  and  sent  out  their  com- 
mittee with  directions  to  ascertain  what  charges  Common 
Fame  had  made  against  me  5  and  when  the  said  Presbytery 
accepted  the  Report  of  that  Committee,  as  above  stated, /7/ei/ 
wholly  departed  from  the  particular  business  specified  in 
the  circular  Zei^er— contrary  to  the  principles  of  righteous- 
ness and  the  Book  of  Discipline. 

I  surely  need  not  argue  to  this  Synod  that  when  z.pro  re 
naia  Presbytery  are  called  to  consider  and  act  upon  one  sin- 
gle, tangible  performance  of  an  individual,  (as  the  printed 
Articles  mentioned  in  the  Circular,)  they  have  no  right  to 
take  cognisance  of  all  the  actions  and  offences  of  his  whole 
life :  I  need  not  say  that  they  have  no  right  to  call  upon 
Common  Fame  to  open  her  monstrous  jaws,  and  speak  with 
her  thousand  tongues.  What  judicatory  would  be  equal  to  an 
investigation  of  her  calumnies  ?  or  what  party  would  sub- 
mit, or  endure  the  Herculean  labor  of  an  universal  defence? 

Against  this  gross  departure  of  the  Presbytery  from  their 
.  specified  business  I  protest  and  complain.    But  again — 

II.  The  Presbytery  having  decided  to  prosecute  me  them- 
selves, upon  the  ground  of  Common  Fame,  and  having  ac- 
cepted the   report  of  their   committee,  which  specified  the 


REV.    JOHN    R.    M  DOWALL.  315 

four  charges  named  in  the  Long  Island  Farmer,  and  recom- 
mended that  the  Presbytery  investigate  those  charges — the 
Presbytery,  notwithstanding  this,  did  wholly  neglect  and  re- 
fuse to  investigate  or  table  those  charges  of  Common  Fame  : 
leaving  them  (so  far  as  their  influence  extended)  to  stand 
upon  their  records  in  full  force  against  me  in  the  view  of  a 
Christian  and  Infidel  public  !  • 

I  will  not  undertake  to  assign  the  reasons  for  this  strange 
procedure:  but  I  will  state  to  you  the  substance  of  what  was 
said  on  this  subject  in  open  Presbytery,  by  one  of  their  mem- 
bers, the  Rev.  A.  D.  Smith.  Speaking  of  the  charges  in  the 
Long  Island  Farmer,  then  laid  before  the  Presbytery,  Mr. 
Smith  said:  "This  is  not  what  they  want:  (referring  to 
Wheelwright  and  associates.)  To  be  tried  on  these  charges 
of  Common  Fame,  is  the  every  thing  Brother  M'Dowall 
wants.  This  will  not  answer  their  purpose — they  complain 
of  his  Defence."  How  far  this  reason  given  by  Mr.  Smith 
actuated  the  Presbytery  I  know  not ;  but  I  do  know,  that  after 
the  aforesaid  grievous  charges  were  actually  before  the  Pres- 
bytery, by  iheir  own  procuring,  they  left  them  uninvestigat- 
ed, to  stand  against  me  in  full  force  and  effect.  Did  this 
show  a  Christian  spirit  ?    Was  this  ministerial  conduct  ? 

Against  this,  as  irregular,  and  unconstitutional,  and  un- 
christian, I  protest  and  complain. 

III.  After  the  Presbytery  had  decided  to  become  themselves 
my  prosecutors,  upon  the  ground  of  Common  Fame,  and  had 
before  them  Common  Fame's  charges,  I  complain  that  they 
proceeded,  by  their  prosecuting  committee,  to  table  against 
me  a  new  set  of  charges,  about  which  Common  Famri 
KNEW  NOTHING  and  said  NOTHING. 

When  the  Presbytery  met,  I  was  in  the  act  of  publishing 
my  "  DEFENCE."  Against  this  defence  the  persons  im- 
plicated said  nothing  to  the  public.  Among  their  private 
friends,  and  their  managers  and  advisers,  and  husbands  in 
the  Presbytery,  they  raised  a  clamor.  The  public  knew  little 
or  nothing  of  this  clamor.  But  the  Presbytery  perfectly  un- 
derstood it:  and  they  proceeded  to  embody,  in  their  charges 
and  specifications,  the  private  griefs  and  complaints  of  their 
wives  and  other  members,  officers,  and  managers  of  the  Female 
Benevolent    Society — the   very  griefs  and    complaints   that 


316 


MEMOIR    OF    THE 


Mr.  Wheelwright  offered  to  write  down  with  his  own  hand'. 
Having  so  embodied  these  private  complaints,  they  gratui- 
tously and  untruly  imputed  them  to  "  Common  Fame." 
"  Common  Fame,"  say  they,  "  charges  the  Rev.  J.  R. 
M'Dowall  with"  &c.  This  grand  FICTION  of  the  Presby- 
tery lies  at  the  foundation  of  all  their  subsequent  errors.  I 
say  Jiclion ;  because  this  assertion  about  Common  Fame  is 
wholly  destitute  of  reality,  or  truth,  or  proof.  How  could 
Common  Fame  know  that  the  statements  made  in  my  de- 
fence were  incorrect  ?  No  one  had  denied  or  questioned 
them:  prima  facie,  they  were  true:  they  were  supported  by 
references  to  documents  and  to  notorious  facts  :  I  had  staked 
my  veracity  and  character  upon  the  truth  of  those  statements 
— my  opponents  chose  not  to  hazard  theirs  by  a  public  de- 
nial :  they  preferred  to  suffer  judgment  to  go  against  them  by 
default.  Public  opinion  was  evidently  setting  strong  in  my 
favor,  and  against  them.  Common  Fame  had  already  be- 
gun to  open  her  mouth  against  them  in  all  parts  of  the  coun- 
try ;  and  to  cry  aloud  against  the  wrongs  which  they  had 
done  me,  commanding  them  to  restore  what  they  had  taken 
from  me  by  mistake,  and  now  unjustly  retained,  after  know- 
ledge of  their  mistake  had  been  brought  home  to  them. 

Such,  in  fact,  was  the  voice,  and  verdict,  and  recorded  judg- 
ment of  Common  Fame,  at  the  time  when  the  Presbytery 
embodied  the  Society's  private  complaints  against  me.  In- 
deed, it  was  the  consciousness  that  public  opinion  was  against 
them,  that  drove  them  to  the  desperate  expedient  of  calling 
in  the  aid  of  the  Presbytery  lo  relieve  them  from  their  agony. 

I  complain,  therefore,  against  the  Presbytery  for  their  as- 
suming and  taking  for  granted  a  palpable  untruth — a  sheer 
fiction  of  my  opponents,  that  Common  Fame  was  my  ac- 
cuser. 

IV.  I  affirm  that  the  offences  detailed  in  the  said  twenty 
specifications  (allowing  them  to  be  truly  stated,  which  I  by 
no  means  grant)  are  of  such  a  character  as  that  they  cannot 
come  under  the  cognizance  of  the  Presbytery,  upon  the 
ground  of  Common  Fame. 

Now  what  are  these  offences  7 — With  one  exception  of  a 
small  consequence,  they  consist  in  making  certain  statements 
in  my  public  "DEFENCE,"  alleged  to  be  done  with  a  bad 


REV.     JOHN    R.    M  DOW  ALL.  3  17 

Spirit,  and  to  contain  slanderous  charges  and  intentional 
misrepresentations.  Now  I  need  not  inform  this  Synod  that 
the  fact  of  slander  or  no  slander,  of  good  or  bad  intention, 
depends  upon  the  question,  ichetlier  my  statements  are  sul- 
stantially  true.  If  they  are,  and  1  aver  they  are,  then  they 
contain  no  slander  or  intentional  misrepresentation.  To 
assume  they  are  false,  would  be  gratuitous,  and  indicate 
gross  partiality.  But  admitting,  for  a  moment,  that  they  do 
contain  both  slander  and  intentional  misrepresentation,  and 
do  manifest  an  unchristian  spirit;  still  I  maintain  that  this 
offence  does  not  come  under  the  description  of  those  whicii 
a  Presbytery  may  prosecute,  upon  the  ground  of  Common 
Fame. 

The  Synod  will  allow  me  to  observe  that  this  proceeding 
against  individuals  upon  the  ground  of  common  fame,  al- 
though allowed  in  our  Book  of  Discipline,  in  certain  notori- 
ous and  scandalous  cases,  is  of  very  questionable  equity,  and 
should  be  resorted  to  '•  with  great  caution;"  and  only  in  cases 
of  obvious  necessity.  Indeed  Presbyterianism  looks  upon 
this  proceeding  with  a  jealous  eye  ;  and  allows  it  only 

"Where  an  offence  is  so  notorious  and  scandalous  as  that 
no  private  steps  would  obviate  its  injurious  effects  ;  or  where 
the  private  steps  have  failed,  and  there  is  obviously  no  other 
way  of  removing  the  offence  but  by  means  of  a  judicial  pro- 
cess." Chap.  3,  sec.  2.  "  Taking  up  charges  on  this  ground, 
of  course  requires  great  caution."    Idem.  sec.  5th. 

Will  it  be  said  here,  that  there  was  obviously  no  other 
way  of  removing  the  alleged  offences,  unless  by  a  proceed- 
ing on  the  ground  of  Common  Fame  ?  I  answer  :  Can  it  be 
denied  that  Mr,  Wheelwright,  a  member  of  Presbytery,  could 
have  taken  upon  himself  the  responsibility  of  tabling  these 
very  charges  ?  Let  it  not  be  forgotten  that  he  actually  offered 
to  do  it. 

Again  :  "  In  order  to  render  an  offence  proper  for  the  re- 
cognizance of  a  Judicatory  on  the  ground  of  general  rumor 
or  common  fame,  the  rumor  must  specify  some  particular  sin 
or  sins  ;  it  must  be  general,  or  widely  spread ;  it  must  not  be 
transient,  but  permanent,  and  rather  gaining  strength  than 
declining.  Taking  up  charges  on  this  ground,  requires  great 
27* 


318  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

caution  and  the  exercise  of  much  Christian  prudence."  Chap^ 
3,  sec.  5. 

Again  :  "  Scandalous  charges  against  a  minister  ought  not 
to  be  received  by  any  Judicatory  on  slight  grounds  ;  nor  un- 
less common  fame  so  loudly  proclaims  the  scandal,  that  the 
Presbytery  find  it  necessary  for  the  honor  of  religion  to  in- 
vestigate the  charge."  Chap.  5,  sec.  1  and  5. 

Lastly  :  Offences  proper  to  be  prosecuted  upon  the  ground 
of  Common  Fame,  must  be  "  notorious  and  scandalous  ;" 
transactions  which  are  prima  facie,  and  in  their  own  nature 
offences :  not  such  performances  as  may,  or  may  not  be  un- 
lawful; according  as  the  motives  may,  or  may  not  be  correct 
— they  must  be  "  scandalous — not  merely  improper  acts  done 
in  a  passion,  or  from  a  bad  spirit,  or  through  strong  prejudice, 
or  jealousy ;  but  acts  "  shameful  and  flagitious,  such  as 
drunkenness,  uncleanness,  or  crimes  of  a  higher  nature." 

Now,  compare  for  a  moment  the  alleged  offences  contained 
in  the  Indictment,  with  the  above  characteristics  of  offences, 
proper  for  the  cognizance  of  a  judicatory  on  the  ground  of 
Common  Fame. 

My  great  offence,  which  comprises  most  of  the  specifica- 
tions, is  the  printing  of  a  "DEFENCE"  of  my  pdblic 
CHARACTER  and  TRANSACTIONS,  agaiust  sundry  insinuations 
and  charges  of  a  public  character,  by  which  I  had  been  pros- 
trated. 

Now  admitting,  for  argument  sake,  that  in  performing  this 
difficult  task  I  may  have  manifested  an  uncharitable  spirit, 
and  in  some  instances  overstated  matters  of  fact;  or  made 
erroneous  calculations  ;  or  expressed  unjust  suspicions  ;  or 
drawn  incorrect  conclusions  from  uncertain  and  doubtful 
premises — suppose  all  this,  and  much  more  of  the  same  kind 
— still,  is  the  making  and  publishing  of  that  "  defence,"  in 
itself  and  prima  facie,  a  ''■notorious  and  scandalous  offenceV^ 
Is  it  a  crime,  base  and  flagitious,  "  like  drunkenness  and 
uncleanness  ?"  And  was  there  obviously  no  other  way  of 
removing  the  offence  or  obviating  its  injurious  effects  ? 
Could  not  the  parties  aggrieved  by^my  representations  have 
dealt  privately  with  me,  and  shown  me  my  errors,  both  as  to 
fact  and  argument  ?  And  might  I  not,  as  I  pledged  myself 


REV.    JOHN    R.    M  DOWALL.  319 

to  do,  have  done  aw^ay  all  the  evil  effects,  by  publicly  cor- 
recting and  retracting  my  errors  ?  See  No.  6  of  my  Defence, 
as  follows  : 

•'  I  would  fain  have  kept  silence  and  hid  my  wrongs  in  my 
own  bosom ;  but  my  enemies  prevent  me :  they  compel  me  to 
speak  out  in  my  own  vindication.  What  I  have  done,  I  have 
done  more  in  grief  than  anger.  And  should  it  appear  that  I 
have  set  doxoii  aught  in  mistake^  either  as  to  fact  or  circum- 
stance, I  will  most  cheerfully  and  'publicly  correct  the  error." 

This  pledge,  in  all  sincerity  and  truth,  I  do  now  renew. 

Having  now  (examined  and  ascertained  what  description 
of  officers  is  proper  for  the  cognizance  of  a  judicatory,  on  the 
ground  of  Common  Fame,  and)  shown,  as  I  trust,  that  those 
which  are  tabled  against  me  are  not  of  that  description,  I 
must  beg  the  patience  of  the  Synod,  while  I  remark, 

V.  That  the  course  of  the  Presbytery  in  this  prosecution 
is  irregular  and  unconstitutional,  because  the  Common  Fame 
■oa  which  they  have  based  their  proceedings,  is  clearly,  by 
their  own  showing,  nothing  but  that  General  Rumor  men- 
tioned in  sec.  3d,  Chap.  iv.  and  described  as  follows  : 

"Common  Fame  is  the  accuser.  Yet  a  general  rumor- 
may  be  raised  by  the  rashness,  censoriousness,  or  malice,  of 
ONE  OR  MORE  INDIVIDUALS.  When  this  appears  to  have  been 
the  case,  such  individuals  ought  to  be  censured  in  proportion," 
&c.  &c. 

TVoMhe  party  who  is  the  subject  of  their  rashness,  censori- 
ousness, and  malice. 

Now,  whose  complaints  are  those  contained  in  the  "tabled 
charges  V  They  are  those  of  Wheelwright  and  his  associ- 
ates. Who  alone  are  cognizant  of  the  several  things  objected 
against  me  in  the  several  specifications — who  say  that  my 
representations  of  the  doings  of  Starr  and  Wheelwright,  and 
of  the  Female  Benevolent  Society  under  them,  are  false  and 
slanderous  ? — Wheelv\;right  and  his  associates.  Here  is  the 
source,  and  the  only  source,  of  the  noise  and  general  rumor 
about  the  slander  and  intentional  misrepresentation  contained 
in  my  "DEFENCE."  Out  of  this  circle  and  that  of  their 
friends,  no  man  complains  of  my  statements  and  disclosures. 
Ought  not,  then,  John  Wheelwright,  a  member  of  this  Pres- 
bytery, and  a  known  author  of  this  spurious  Common  Fame 


320  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

and  ^'■public  rumor,"  on  which  the  Presbytery  have  ba-ed 
this  proceeding,  "  to  be  censured  for  his  rashness  and  cen- 
seriousness,"  instead  of  being  seated  on  high,  as  his  own 
witness,  and  my  JUDGE  ? ! 


(chapter   III.) 


(6.)  Wheelwriglif,  the  prosecutor,  acthig'  as  jiido;c,  and  wish  Jiig 
associates,  testifying  to  their  own  innocence. — (7.)  Tried  a  se- 
cond lime  on  the  same  subject  matter,  no\v  constilulioniilly  beyond 
their  jurisdiction. 

VI.  This  course  of  the  Presbytery,  in  voluntarily  thrusting^ 
themselves  into  this  trial  as  a  party,  when  the  party  himself 
was  ready  and  willing  to  table  these  same  charges,  was  not 
only  irregular  and  unconstitutional,  but,  in  its  necessary  re- 
sults, was  inequitable,  partial,  and  oppressive. 

Its  first  result  was,  to  degrade  me  from  a  fair  level  with 
my  opponents,  Mr.  Wheelwright  and  his  associates.  It  Vv^as 
now  no  longer  a  question  to  be  settled  which  of  the  contend- 
ing parties  was  to  blame — but  I  was  singled  out  as  a  culprit, 
notoriously  guilty  of  a  scandalous  offence,  placed  in  the  cul- 
prit's box — while  this  tribunal  assumed  that  Wheelwright 
and  his  associates  were  innocent,  and  gave  him  an  elevated 
seat  upon  the  Judge's  bench,  from  which  I  was  thrust  down. 
In  short,  instead  of  trying  us  both,  they  set  Mr.  Wheelwright 
to  try  me  !  And  his  influence  on  the  bench  w^as  in  fact  ef- 
fective and  commanding.  He  interfered  in  all  cases  where 
his  interest  might  be  promoted — he  made  motions  and 
speeches,  furnished  documents,  hints,  and  insinuations  ;  and 
was  every  where  present  where  his  interest  might  be  pro- 
moted, and  my  downfall  effected.  This  degradation  of  the 
one  party  and  the  exaltation  of  the  other  was  the  Jirst  result. 

The  seco7id  result  was  that  it  made  Mr.  Wheelwright  and 
his  associates  all  witnesses  in  their  own  case.  The  Presby- 
tery having  excused  them  from  being  a  party,  they  could  see 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  321 

no  reason  why  they  should  not  be  witnesses !  They  had  no 
interest  in  the  cause — not  they.  They  only  wished  to  see 
justice  done,  and  M'Dowall  punished.  Of  course  the  Pres- 
bytery gave  me  regular  notice  that,  in  opposition  to  my 
charges  and  statements  put  forth  in  my  "  DEFENCE,"  they 
should  prove  the  innocence  of  Jahn  Wheelwright,  Esq.  by 
—John  Wheelwright,  Esq.  and  his  wife  ;  and  the  innocence 
of  the  officers  and  members  of  the  Female  Benevolent  So- 
ciety by— the  officers  and  members  of  the  Female  Benevolent 
Society:  and  the  husbands  of  several  of  the  officers  of  the 
said  society,  and  all  the  officers,  managers,  and  members  and 
matrons  of  the  Female  Benevolent  Society  of  New-York, 
en  masse. 

But  it  is  not  the  member  merely  that  is  so  appalling— it  is 
the  fact  that  these  witnesses  are  the  party  complainant,  all 
deeply  interested  in  their  own  cause,  and  in  support  of  their 
own  characters  and  interests  testifying,  under  all  the  preju- 
dices excited  by  a  three  years'  warfare,  against  a  man  whom, 
of  all  others,  they  most  fear  and  hate  ;  whose  character  they 
Tjiuit  destroy,  or  suffer  in  their  own :  a  man  whom,  of  all 
others,  they  have  most  injured— and  of  course,  the  last  whom 
they  will  forget  or  forgive. 

VII.  I  complain  of  the  Presbytery,  because  it  is  known  to 
them  that  a  great  part  of  the  subject  matter  for  which  I  am 
DOW  called  in  question  a  second  time,  was  in  fact  laid  before 
them  at  their  June  sessions  in  1S34  by  Mr.  Charles  Starr,  in 
his  twenty-five  specifications;  and  that  it  was  taken  up  and 
considered  as  a  part  of  the  great  money  question  between  us  ; 
and  was  all  passed  upon  by  the  said  Presbytery,  except  the 
single  question,  whether  I  was  the  hired  and  accountable 
agent  of  the  Female  Benevolent  Society.  A  formal  decision 
of  this  point  was  then  Avaved  by  the  Presbytery,  on  the  ground 
that  some  of  its  members  were  absent  when  it  was  discuss- 
ed ;  and  that  its  decision,  by  them,  might  have  influence  upon 
an  expected  lawsuit.  But  this  point  was  in  fact  virtually  de- 
cided by  that  Presbytery,  when  they  unanimously  declared 

that  Ir^^*  "  THEY  HAVE  SEEN  NO  REASON  TO  impcach  THE  MO- 
RAL CHARACTER  OF  Mr.  M'DoWALL  IN  THE  MANAGEMENT  OP 
THE  PECUNIARY  INTERESTS  OF  THE  CAUSE  IN  WHICH  HE  IS  EN- 
<^AGED."  «=f3| 

I 


322  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

But  this  is  not  all ;  the  said  Presbytery  do  also  know  that 
this  same  subject  matter  for  which  I  have  now  been  tried  a 
second  time,  is  of  more  than  one  year's  standing — and  of 
course  they  know  that  it  is  beyond  their  jurisdiction.  I  ad- 
vise the  Synod  of  this  grievance,  not  so  much  to  avail  my- 
self of  it  as  a  plea  in  bar,  but  to  show  the  temper  and  spirit 
by  which  this  Avhole  prosecution  has  been  characterized. 


(chapter    IV.) 

(8.)  The  tribunal's  p.irtiality — Wheelwright  a  member  of  the  court 
— patron?,  endorsers,  advisers,  pastors,  and  husbands  of  officers  and 
members  of  the  Female  Benevolent  Society  members  of  the  court 
— (9.)  Denial  of  a  reasonable  time  to  procure  my  testimony,  and  to 
prepare  for  trial— Reqtiest  for  time,  and  for  Wm.  Brown,  Esq.  \.o 
aid  me — Speeches  on  the  request — the  Presbytery's  answer  to  this 
request — exception  to  the  decision  and  notice  of  appeal  to  Synod — 
inalienable  right  of  each  freeman  to  judge  for  himself  what  wit- 
nesses he  needs  to  maintain  his  own  cause. 

VIII.  I  am  compelled  to  add  that  the  respectable  Presby- 
tery, of  which  I  was  a  member,  and  at  whose  bar  I  have  been 
arraigned  'to  answer  for  the  statements  and  disclosures[re- 
specting  the  Female  Benevolent  Society,  made  in  ray  pub- 
lished defence,  are  not,  and  from  the  nature  of  things  cannot 
be,  an  impartial  tribunal  between  the  parties. 

Look  first  at  the  component  parts  of  this  Presbytery  ;  and 
then  at  their  connections  with  the  complaining  party.  In  the 
first  place,  my  active  and  powerful  antagonist,  Mr.  John 
Wheelwright,  the  head  and  leader  of  the  complainants,  and 
the  man  the  most  interested  in  my  conviction,  is  a  member 
of  the  Judicatory.  (2.)  Many  of  the  pastors  and  elders  com- 
pos-ng  this  Presbytery  are  the  patrons  and  endorsers,  and 
some  of  them  are  the  official  advisers,  of  this  same  Female 
Benevolent  Society — their  leading  female  church  members 
are  members  of  this  Society  ;  and  the  Society's  difficulties  and 


REV.    JOilN    R.     m'dOWALL.  323 

Wants  are  laid  before  their  several  pastors  and  elders  for  ad- 
vice; so  that  no  man  contends  with  this  Society,  without,  in 
fact,  contending  with  the  ministers  and  elders  v/ith  whom 
they  are  so  intimately  connected. 

But  the  strongest  circumstance  in  the  case — a  circum- 
stance which  shows  the  impossibility  that  this  Judicatory 
can  be  impartial  in  the  cause  before  them,  is  the  fact,  that 
several  of  the  ministers  and  elders  are  connected  with  the 
Society  by  the  closest  of  all  human  ties — that  of  husband  and 
Avife.  Their  wives,  in  part,  compose  the  Female  Benevolent 
Society— and  some  of  the  husbands  of  these  wives  sit  as  my 
judges.  In  an  important  case  between  me  and  the  wife  of 
the  Moderator — the  wife  is  the  party,  and  the  husband  is  the 
judge!  Can  you  find  such  a  spectacle  in  any  civilized  na- 
tion ?  Here  is  an  ecclesiastical  tribunal  *  sitting  as  Judges 
between  their  own  wives  and  a  third  person!  To  look  for 
impartiality  here,  you  must  believe  these  ministers  and  elders 
to  be  more  or  less  than  men. 

I  have  been  speaking  of  the  respected  raoderator — but  what 
is  true  of  him,  is  true  of  the  temporary  clerk,  and  of  older 
and  leading  ministers  and  elders  in  the  Presbytery — their 
wives  are  officers  and  members  of  the  Female  Benevolent 
Society.  Look  at  the  case.  Strip  it  of  the  drapery  thrown 
around  it  by  the  title  of  Common  Fame.  And  suppose  the 
wife  of  the  Moderator,  or  of  the  Clerk,  or  of  John  Wheel- 
wright, comes  into  the  Presbytery  and  com.plains  of  John  R. 
M'Dowall,  for  that  the  said  M'Dov/all,  in  his  public  Defence 
against  certain  calumnies  supposed  to  be  put  forth  by  her  and 
others,  did  "  publish,  through  the  newspapers,  sundry  charges 
highly  injurious  to  her  christian  character,"  and  thereof  she 
prays  judgment  against  the  said  M'Dowall,  &c.  Now  sup- 
pose that  the  said  Moderator,  or  the  said  Clerk,  or  the  said 
John  Wheelwright,  should  gravely  sit,  and  hear,  and  try  this 
cause  between  his  said  icife  and  the  said  M'Dowall,  and 
should  pronounce  judgment  against  the  said  M'Dowall,  and 
in  favor  of  his  said  Vv^ife — what  would  the  Christian — what 
would  the  Heathen,  and  the  Infidel  Public  say  to  such  a  trans- 
action ? 

*  Paitofit. 


324  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

The  Synod  will  observe  that  the  above  complaint  and  ap- 
peal relate  to  the  errors  of  the  Presbytery  in  the  commence- 
ment and  early  progress  of  this  prosecution.  But  I  am  now 
grieved  to  say  that  their  subsequent  proceedings  are  charac- 
terized by  the  same  irregularity  and  injustice  :  and  that  I  am 
compelled  to  protest,  and  do  hereby  protest  against  the  fol- 
lowing unjust,  irregular  and  oppressive  acts  and  doings  of 
the  said  Presbytery,  in  addition  to  those  already  specified  ; 
and  do  complain  of  and  appeal  from  the  same  to  the  Sy- 
nod, viz. 

IX.  After  the  cause  was  at  issue,  and  after  commission- 
ers were  appointed,  at  my  request,  to  take  the  testimony  of 
my  witnesses  living  at  a  distance,  the  Presbytery  refused  to 
give  me  any  reasonable  time  to  procure  my  testimony  and  to 
prepare  for  trial ;  and  insisted  that  the  trial  should  immedi- 
ately commence. 

This  unjust  refusal  took  place  under  the  follovring  circum- 
stances. On  the  22d  of  March  they  essayed  to  commence 
the  trial  without  asking  me  whether  I  was  ready  :  I  made  my 
objections ;  they  persisted  for  a  short  period  and  adjourned 
to  the  next  day.  On  the  next  day,  immediately  after  the 
opening  of  the  Presbytery,  I  presented  the  following  paper, 
which  was  read,  and  put  on  the  files,  to  wit: 

"  To  the  Third  Presbytery  of  New-York  :— Yesterday  I 
informed  you  that  I  was  unprepared  for  trial  on  the  cause 
pending  before  you  upon  the  ground  of  Common  Fame — 
that  I  could  not  go  to  trial  at  all,  without  my  witnesses,  or 
obtaining  their  testimony:  that  many  of  them  (being  about 
sixty  in  number)  lived  without  the  boundaries  of  this  Pres- 
bytery;  scattered  from  Providence.  Rhode  Island,  to  BufiTalo, 
New-York,  and  that  I  should  need  commissioners  appointed 
to  take  the  testimony  of  my  witnesses  in  those  distant  places, 

"  I  now  further  inform  you,  that  I  cannot  and  shall  not  gO 
to  trial  in  this  cause  till  I  have  had  a  reasonable  time,  con- 
sidering the  distance,  the  number  of  witnesses  to  be  examined, 
and  the  badness  of  the  roads,  to  prepare  for  trial.  I  therefore 
ask  for  eight  weeks  to  procure  my  testimony  and  prepare  for 
trial,  as  the  shortest  term  in  which  I  can  accomplish  it.  And 
also,  I  again  ask  a  special  favor,  that  the  Presbytery  will 
allow  mc  the  assistance  of  William  Brown,  Esq.  a  member 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  325 

of  a  church  under  the  care  of  this  Presbytery,  and  formerly 
Elder  of  Cayuga  Presbytery,  to  aid  me  on  my  trial:  as  I 
have  IN  VAIN  made  all  reasonable  eflbrts  to  procure  assistance 
in  the  Presbytery.     March  23d,  1836. 

"J.   R.    M'DoWALL." 

As  to  the  assistance  of  the  gentleman  requested,  the  Pres- 
bytery thought  proper  to  refuse  my  request.  I  had  previously 
stated  to  them  the  fact,  which  they  well  knew  that  I  had  in 
VAIN  made  all  reasonable  efforts  to  procure  assistance  in  the 
Presbytery  ;  and  asked  as  a  favor  that  they  would  assign 
me  some  one  member  of  their  body  to  aid  me.  This  was 
advocated  by  some  of  the  Presbytery  as  a  reasonable  request^ 
under  the  peculiar  circumstances  of  the  case. 

Mr.  Smith  said,  "  In  the  civil  courts,  the  parties  are  never 
without  counsel — I  think.  Moderator,  we  ought  not  be  less 
clement  than  civil  courts.  As  he  has  tried  in  vain  to  obtain 
assistance,  I  think  that  clemency  and  kindness  require  that 
something  should  be  done." 

In  reply  to  this.  Doctor  Peters,  the  gentleman  who,  on  ap- 
plication of  my  opponents,  digested  the  plans  of  this  prose- 
cution, and  moved  in  it  as  the  master  spirit,  made,  among 
others,  the  following  striking  and  characteristic  remarks  : 
"  I  am  opposed  to  the  request :  too  much  has  already  been 
granted  to  Mr.  M'Dowall ;  besides,  our  Book  gives  us  no 
power  to  appoint  or  request  any  one  to  be  his  counsel ;  and 
I  would  not  transcend  our  powers  to  gratify  him  in  his  un- 
reasonable requests,  &c.  &c.  In  conclusion,  I  must  say  that 
I  am  not  in  favor  of  brother  Smith's  remark  about  clemen- 
cy.   It  is  not  in  the  power  of  a  court  to  show  mercy  to  a 

CRIMINAL  !'' 

The  Presbytery  having  refused  my  request  for  the  aid  of 
Mr.  Brown,  took  up  the  question,  whether  they  would  grant 
my  request  for  reasonable  time  to  procure  testimony  and  pre- 
pare for  trial. 

Whilst  this  request  was  under  consideration.  Dr.  Peters 
opposed  it  upon  the  ground  that  he  could  not  see  any  use  in 
my  sending  at  a  distance  for  witnesses,  when  he  believed  I 
had  enough  near  at  hand — besides,  the  reasons  I  had  given 
might  be  all  a  pretence  ;  and  again,  it  was  premature  to  pro- 
28 


326  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

cure  witnesses  till  I  should  come  to  the  place  in  the  trial' 
where  I  wanted  them !  I  had  no  call  for  testimony  yet :  I 
ought  to  have  advised  them  what  witnesses  I  wanted,  uhen 
they  put  the  charges  into  mij  hand  [and  before  I  had  read 
them  :]  he  said  the  proper  way  was,  that  when  witnesses  were 
wanted  on  any  one  specification,  Mr.  M'Dowall  should  tell 
us  what  he  expects  to  prove  by  those  witnesses,  and  where 
they  reside ;  and  the  pl^^  Presbytery  will  judge  ^4^1  whether 
it  is  important  that  he  should  have  this  testimony  ;  and  if 
they  judged  it  important,  then  time  should  be  allowed  !  The 
Rev.  Mr.  White  said  he  thought  v/ith  brother  Peters,  &c.  dec. 

Whereupon  Dr.  Peters  drew  up  and  read  the  following 
Resolution,  which  was  passed,  as  an  answer  to  my  request 
for  reasonable  time  : 

^•Resolved,  That  Mr.  M'DowalPs  request  for  eight  weeks' 
delay  for  procuring  testimony  be  not  granted  :  but  that  the 
Presbytery  will  consider  his  requests  for  time  to  obtain  need- 
ed testimony  on  each  specijication  in  order.'''' 

Situated  as  I  was  before  the  Presbytery — and  such  a  Pres- 
bytery, connected  and  commingled  as  the  leading  members 
were  with  my  accusers  and  opponents — and  being  without 
counsel,  without  preparation  for  trial,  without  witnesses,  and 
without  time  to  procure  thera — having  no  reason  to  expect 
"clemency  or  mercy,"  having  already  received  "too  much," 
I  was  compelled  to  give  to  the  Presbytery  the  following  no- 
tice, and  to  retire : 

"  To  the  Third  Presbytery  of  New-  York, 

"  Please  to  take  notice  that  I  except  to  your  decision,  de- 
nying me  a  reasonable  time  to  procure  testimony  and  to 
prepare  for  trial.  I  now  give  you  notice,  that  I  protest 
against  this  decision  as  unreasonable,  inequitable,  and  un- 
constitutional ]  and  that  it  is  ray  intention  to  appeal  from  it 
to  the  Synod  of  New-York  at  the  next  meeting  thereof. 

"J.  R.  M'Dowall. 

"  March  23J,  183G." 

I  retired  with  an  intention  of  abandoning  all  further  de- 
fence, and  to  rely,  for  a  redress  of  the  above-mentioned 
grievances,  upon  this  Reverend  Synod.    To  this  resolution 


REV.    JOHN    R.    h'DOWALL.  327 

I  have  adhered,  upon  the  ground  [that  no  man  can  be  com- 
pelled to  stake  his  character  and  dearest  rights  upon  an  im- 
perfect defence,  made  without  counsel,  without  preparation, 
and  without  his  necessary  v/itnesses  :  nor  is  he  bound  to 
submit  to  the  discretion  and  judgment  of  a  questionable  tri- 
bunal what  witnesses  he  shall  call,  or  what  evidence  is  "  ne- 
cessary and  proper  for  him."  On  this  subject  every  freeman 
claims  the  right  to  judge  for  himself:  nor  can  he  suffer  him- 
self to  be  robbed  of  his  rights  by  any  tribunal,  civil  or  eccle- 
siastical, without  treason  to  his  country. 


(chapter  v.) 


Tfial  on  one  side  only — Incompetency,  &c.  of  my  Counsel — Refusal 
to  examine  my  witnosses — Interested  witnesses  excused  from  tell- 
ing the  whole  truth — Testimony  suppressed. 

X.  I  complain  of  the  Presbytery,  for  that  they  should  carry 
on  against  rae  an  exparte  trial,  after  they  had  by  their  own 
act  made  it  impossible  for  me  to  defend  myself,  and  com- 
pelled me  to  leave  their  tribunal.  The  Synod  will  see  at 
once  the  injustice  which  this  proceeding  must  necessarily 
do  me. 

First,  by  assigning  incompetent  counsel.  The  Presbytery 
appointed  a  young  man,  the  Kev.  Mr.  Barrows,  to  take 
charge  of  my  interests,  whose  ignorance  of  all  the  rules  of 
evidence,  whose  inexperience  in  the  management  of  a  diffi- 
cult and  litigated  cause,  and  whose  ignorance  of  all  the  facts, 
and  explanations,  and  arguments  necessary  for  my  defence, 
wholly  disqualified  him  for  this  duty.  Mr.  Barrows  begged 
to  be  excused  on  this  ground  of  his  incom'petency,  saying  that 
It  was  a  Herculean  task:  that  he  did  not  at  all  understand 
ihe  case.  At  his  request  the  Rev.  Mr.  Lewis  was  desired  to 
sit  with  him.     This  accession  of  Mr.  Lewis  was  but  little 


328  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

calculated  to  benefit  my  cause,  as  he  could  supply  none  of 
the  deficiencies  under  which  Mr.  Barrows  labored.  The  re- 
suit  was,  that  this  defence  was  but  a  sham  defence^  immea- 
surably worse  than  none  ;  because  it  was  calculated  to  im- 
pose a  belief  upon  the  public  that  I  was  favored  with  a  de- 
fence, and  because  for  me,  and  in  my  name,  Mr.  Barrows 
ignorantly  or  intentionally  made  false  concessions,  ruinous 
to  my  cause,  and  calculated  to  mislead  the  unprejudiced  part 
of  the  Presbytery  and  the  public. 

In  addition  to  this,  while  the  Rev.  J.  Leavitt  was  cross- 
questioning  Mr.  Wheelwright,  the  standing  witness  for  the 
prosecution,  with  a  view  to  draw  out  from  the  witness  facts 
which  made  in  my  favor,  this  same  Mr.  Lewis,  pretending 
to  act  as  my  counsel,  rose  in  Presbytery  and  made  the  fol- 
lowing speech  against  the  right  of  cross-examining  this 
witness  :  — 

"I  rise  to  order.  It  does  seem  to  me  that  this  course  (of 
Mr.  Leavitt)  is  entirely  out  of  order.  There  seems  to  be  an 
evident  design  of  entrapping  the  witness,  (Wheelwright,)  by 
leading  him  to  contradict  his  own  testimony.  It  is  not  al- 
lowed even  in  civil  courts.  If  the  most  captious  pettifogger 
should  commence  such  a  course,  the  court  would  certainly 
stop  him.  It  does  appear  to  me  that  that  (the  cross-examin- 
ing of  a  witness  to  draw  out  of  him  what  he  wants  to  keep 
back)  should  not  be  allowed  in  a  christian  court.  I  have 
been  stationed  in  three  different  towns,  and  have  been  called 
to  officiate  as  chaplain  in  different  courts,  (of  course  must 
understand  law,)  and  have  been  present  at  different  trials, 
and  I  have  never  heard  such  a  thing.  It  is  altogether  unpre- 
cedented." 

The  Synod  will  feel  at  a  loss  whether  this  speech  were 
the  effect  of  his  ignorance,  or  of  an  intention  to  betray  the 
cause  of  his  client. 

Such  is  the  counsel  which  the  Presbytery  appointed  to  see 
that  my  character  and  interests  suffered  no  wrong. 

But  this  counsel  was  not  only  incompetent,  but  they  ac- 
cepted their  appointment  upon  the  express  condition  that 
they  were  not  bound  to  introduce  or  examine  any  of  my  wit- 
nesses. They  were  to  see  that  my  character  and  interests 
suffered  no  wrong,  by — leaving  all  the  witnesses  who  were 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  329 

willing,  aaJ  oiTered  to  testify  in  my  favor,  out  of  Cocrt. 
To  this  the  Presbytery  assented ! 

And  in  pursuance  of  this  conspiracy  and  agreement  be- 
tween the  contracting  parties,  every  offer  made  by  my  friends 
to  produce  and  bring  into  court,  without  any  trouble  to  the 
counsel,  witnesses  who  would  voluntarily  testify  in  my  favor, 
was  uniformly  slighted  and  rejected  by  Messrs.  Barrows  and 
Lewis. 

Indeed,  their  light  to  suffer  my  witnesses  to  testify  volun- 
tarily in  my  favor,  was  seriously  questioned  and  debated  in 
Presbytery,  and  I  believe  was  never  decided.  The  Pres- 
bytery seemed  afraid  to  say  expressly,  that  such  witnesses 
should  not  be  heard  ;  but  they  manifested  an  invincible  re- 
luctance to  hear  them. 

Mr.  Lewis  put  the  question  whether  such  witnesses  would 
be  heard  if  they  voluntarily  came  forward. 

Mr.  Barrows  :  "  I  thought  we  were  excused  from  that.  I 
had  no  expectation  of  examining  witnesses.  1  never  should 
have  accepted  the  appointment  upon  that  condition.  This 
transcends  the  powers  and  condition  of  my  appointment." 

Dr.  Peters  thought  the  witnesses,  if  they  came,  might  be 
heard,  but  that  the  counsel  need  not  bring  them.  Mr.  Owen 
said,  "My  opinion  is,  that  if  the  witnesses  should  voluntarily 
appear,  it  would  seem  strange  out  of  doors  not  to  hear  them." 
Moderator  [Peters]  expressed  his  opinion  officially  that  the 
witnesses  might  be  heard.  Mr.  Barrows  said,  "I  appeal  from 
4he  decision  of  the  Moderator."  Hereupon  the  house  was 
cleared  and  the  doors  shut.  What  was  then  done  is  not  fully 
known  ;  but  rumor  says  that  the  question  was  still  discussed 
whether  they  should  PERMIT  witnesses  in  my  behalf  to 
testify  before  them:  and  that  the  prevailing  objection  made 
to  it  was,  that  the  testimony  of  ray  witnesses  would  so  com- 
pletely nullify  theirs,  that  when  the  case  came  before  the 
Synod  I  should  be  cleared,  and  this  would  come  abroad,  and 
the  Female  Benevolent  Society  would  be  every  where  con- 
demned. 

After  the  doors  were  opened,  Mr.  Barrows  presented  a 
paper  which  he  wished  might  be  put  on  the  files,  giving  the 
reasons  why  they  did  not  present  the  witnesses  who  were 
28* 


330  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

willing  to  testify  on  my  behalf.*  On  the  question  whether 
this  paper  should  be  filed,  Doctor  Peters,  the  Moderator,  said^ 
"  If  we  should  say  that  we  reject  evidence,  which  it  seems 
to  me  we  do  by  having  this  paper  on  the  files — we  could  not 
be  protected  before  the  Synod."  The  decision  was  that  the 
paper  should  go  on  the  files :  and  so  it  seemed  to  the  Mo- 
derator ;  what  was  the  fact  in  the  case.  That  it  was  thence- 
forth considered  that  the  evidence  of  witnesses  in  my  behalf 
should  be  rejected. 

One  thing  is  certain,  that  nothing  more  was  said  or  done 
about  hearing  these  witnesses,  either  by  the  Presbytery  or 
the  counsel  to  whom  they  had  committed  the  care  of  my 
character  and  interests.  I  will  only  add  to  the  strange  case, 
the  fact,  that  the  aforesaid  paper  was  at  a  subsequent  day  or- 
dered off  the  files. 

It  will  occur  to  the  Synod  that  when  the  Presbytery  had 
assumed  upon  themselves  the  responsibility  of  managing  my 
defence /or  me,  they  were  bound  in  honor  and  honesty  to  do 
it  in  good  faith,  without  favor  to,  or  collision  with  the  other 
party.  Of  course,  instead  of  debating  whether  they  would 
tt^  permit  .=^J^  voluntary  witnesses  to  testify  in  my  favor, 
they  were  under  the  strongest  obligations  to  CITE  and 
BRING  before  them  such  persons  as  they  had  reason  to 
}<now  would  testify  in  my  favor.  To  neglect  this  was  to  vio- 
late wilfully  a  trust  which  they  had  voluntarily  assumed. 

But  secondly,  in  prosecuting  this  exparte  trial  against  me,^ 
the  Presbytery  did  me  injustice  by  admitting  witnesses 
known  to  be  deeply  interested.  Their  character  and  interests 
depended  on  destroying  mine.  We  were  before  the  public 
presenting  opposing  claims  and  opposing  statements.  If  my 
statements  and  claims  were  established,  then  were  their  cha- 
racters seriously  impeached.  If  they  would  establish  their 
claims  and  statements,  then  was  my  character  equally  im- 
peached. The  grand  question  which  this  Presbytery  had  to- 
settle  was,  which  of  these  two  opposing  parties  was  in  the 

*  A  friend  of  mine  presented  to  the  counsel  a  long  list  of  witnesses 
for  nne,  and  offered  to  bring  those  witnesses  into  Presbytery,  without 
any  trouble  to  the  counsel  or  to  the  Presbytery, 


REV.    JOHX    R.    M^DOWALL,     '  331 

right.  What  would  have  been  the  fair  and  equitable  way  of 
settling  this  grand  question  ?  Every  voice  will  exclaim,  "Let 
the  two  parties  stand  on  equal  ground  before  an  impartial  tri- 
bunal, and  let  each  party  produce  such  disinterested  and  le- 
gal witnesses  as  they  are  able." — What  was  the  way  which 
this  Presbytery  adopted?  They  called  in  one  party  to  clear 
themselves  from  guilt  and  to  swear  it  upon  the  other  !  I 
leave  the  Synod  to  give  this  transaction  a  narae.  I  know  an 
intelligent  public  will  look  upon  it  with  disgust. 

Thirdly,  this  Presbytery  did  me  injustice  by  their  mode  of 
examining  these  interested  witnesses.  Every  person  at  all 
acquainted  with  courts,  knows  the  difficulty  of  drawing  from 
an  interested  witness  facts  making  against  himself  and  in  fa- 
vor of  his  opponent.  It  requires  all  the  skill  and  experience 
of  the  most  able  advocate.  But  in  this  case,  while  these  in- 
terested witnesses  were  telling  their  ot^n  one-sided  story,  all 
the  skill  of  the  prosecuting  committee  was  put  in  requisition 
to  prevent  their  going  too  far^  and  telling  what  would  make 
for  me.  This  was  so  visible  as  to  fill  the  minds  of  several 
persons  p-esent  in  the  Presbytery  with  grief  and  disgust. 
But  this  was  not  all  t  I  affirm  that  when  these  interested  wit- 
nesses by  any  accident  or  cross-examination  were  led  to  say 
that  which  was  in  my  favor,  and  the  clerk  had  honestly 
placed  it  upon  the  minutes,  those  minutes  were  subsequently 
altered  by  the  Presbytery,  and  the  testimony  favorable  to  me 
was  stricken  out.  I  refer  you  to  the  original  and  to  the  al- 
tered minutes  of  the  Presbytery.  I  refer  you  to  the  Rev. 
Joshua  Leavitt,*  then  a  member  of  the  Presbytery.  The  ques- 
tion he  put  to  the  aforesaid  John  Wheelwright  touching  the 
question  of  my  pretended  agency,  and  Mr.  Wheelwright's 
answer  to  that  question  taken  down  by  the  clerk,  was  of  vital 
importance  to  my  cause,  conclusive  in  my  favor. 

But  before  the  answer,  which  was  a  long  one,  was  fairly 
out  of  Mr.  Wheelwright's  mouth.  Doctor  Peters  slopped  him 
short,  saying, 

"  It  seems  to  me  that  this  testimony  is  v,'holly  unnecessary 
in  this  place,  and  irrelevant.     It  seems  to  me  the  object  of 

*  I  take  the  responsibility  of  this  reference  without  consulting  Mr. 
Leavitt.     The  written  notes  of  my  reporter  and  others  guide  me. 


332  3IEM0IR    OF    TKE 

ihis  member  of  the  court  (Mr.  Leavitt)  is  to  elicit  some- 
thing for  an  editorial  remark,  rather  than  to  enlighten  us  on 
the  subject  before  us.  I  think  I  have  reason  to  fear  that  these 
remarks  will  ere  long  come  before  the  public.  I  move  that 
the  question  be  stricken  out,  and  all  the  testimony  given 

LN    ANSV*^ER    TO    IT." 

Mr.  Leavitt,  disregarding  the  personal  reflections  of  Doctor 
Peters,  earnestly  objected  to  the  expunging  from  the  minutes 
of  such  testimony  as  made  in  my  favor  ;  but  while  speaking, 
he  was  interrupted  and  put  down  by  murmurings  from  differ- 
ent quarters  of  the  court,  and  complaints  that  he  was  consum- 
ing their  precious  time.  The  question  to  the  witness  was  ex- 
pzf^jo-erf  from  the  minutes,  together  with  all  the  testimony  giv- 
en in  answer  to  it !  I  give  this  to  the  Synod  as  a  sample  of 
the  feelings  and  doings  of  the  Presbytery  on  the  subject.  I 
will  only  add,  that  on  the  next  day,  while  Mr.  Leavitt  was 
putting  a  question  to  the  witness,  Doctor  Peters,  then  acting 
as  moderator,  broke  in  upon  him  with  the  following  offensive 
insinuations  : 

"  That  is  an  improper  question  ;  Mr.  Leavitt  has  no  right 
to  come  here  and  ask  such  questions  as  may  elicit  answers 
to  make  up  some  editorial  article."  "  I  am  here  as  a  mem- 
ber of  this  court,"  (replied  Mr.  Leavitt,  with  power  and  pa- 
thos-,)  "  I  REPEL  before  the  WORLD  these  insinuations  ;  I 
have  no  object  but  to  fulfill  my  office  as  a  member  of  the  Pres- 
bytery"— repelling  and  scorning  the  uncourteous  insinua- 
tions of  the  moderator,  seconded  by  Mr.  White  in  a  speech 
still  more  personal  and  offensive.  The  effect,  however,  of  this 
brow-beating  and  overbearing  course  was  to  drive  Mr.  Lea- 
vitt* and  other  members  out  of  the  house  ;  and  to  leave  the 
management  and  decision  of  the  cause  in  the  hands  of  the 
gentleman  who  '^'^  digested  the  plan  "  of  this  prosecution,  and 
lo  his  few  adherents. 

*  For  other  reasons,  Mr.  Leavitt  has  taken  his  dismission  from 
he  Presbytery. 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  333 


(chapter     VI.) 

Seven  applications  made  in  vain  for  a  copy  of  all  the  proceedings  in 
my  case — Inconclusive,  improper,  and  illegal  testimony — The  un- 
just judgment  passed  by  nine  members  of  ajudicatory,  consisting 
of  more  than  forty  persons — Violation  of  the  18th  chapter  of 
Matthew — The  sentence  itself. 

XL  I  complaia  that  in  making  up  this  complaint  and  ap- 
peal I  have  been  denied  a  copy  of  the  documents,  the  testi- 
mony of  witnesses  and  other  papers  (except  of  the  minutes) 
used  and  filed  in  this  cause. 

I  am  allowed  by  the  Book  of  Discipline  but  ten  days,  after 
the  rising  of  the  Judicatory,  to  make  up  and  deliver  to  the 
Moderator  a  copy  of  the  reasons  of  my  complaint  and  appeal. 
This  is  now  the  ninth  day  since  the  Presbytery  rose,  and  I 
have  made,  by  my  agent  and  by  myself,  seven  applications  to 
the  stated  clerk  for  the  privilege  of  taking  a  copy  at  my  own 
expense,  and  the  most  satisfactory  answer  I  have  received  is 
that  the  said  stated  clerk  knows  not  where  those  documents 
and  papers  are.  This  refusal  of  common  justice  guaranteed 
to  me  by  the  Book  of  Discipline  and  constitution  of  the  Pres- 
byterian Church,  has  put  me  to  great  inconvenience  and  con- 
siderable expense.  I  have  been  compelled  to  rely  upon  the 
written  notes  of  my  reporter  (a  minister  of  the  Gospel)  and 
of  other  respectable  persons,  without  the  privilege  of  com- 
paring those  notes  with  the  minutes  of  testimony  taken  by 
the  clerk;  and  as  to  the  documentary  evidence  used  in  the 
cause ;  except  what  is  printed,  I  am  not  permitted  to  know 
any  thing."  * 

XII.  I  complain  that  the  Presbytery,  in  making  up  their 
judgment  against  me,  have  relied  upon  testimony  in  itself 
wholly  inconclusive  as  well  as  improper  and  illegal. 

In  the  principal  point  in  which  it  was  important  for  them 
to  prove,  to  wit:  that  I  was  the  hired  and  accountable  agent 
of  the  Society.  The  Synod  will  find  that,  instead  of  docu- 
mentary or  other  appropriate  evidence  of  my  appointment  to 
and  acceptance  of  sucri  agency,  the  Presbytery  have  relied 

*  I  do  not  censure  the  stated  clerk. 


334  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

solely  upon  the  "opinions^^  and  "  impressions  "  of  the  wit- 
nesses. "  I  always  Hf-  CONSIDERED  .^H  he  was  our 
agent."  "  There  was  not  any  regular  vote  of  the  Society 
appointing  him.  our  agent,  but  it  was  my  |I3^  IMPRES- 
SION ^|:n  that  he  was  our  agent."  "  I  always  H^^"  CONSI- 
DERED ..^ji  him  as  our  agent,  and  felt  as  much  assured 
that  he  was  such,  as  Tarn  that  you  are  a  clergyman.  Whether 
he  were  appointed  by  a  vote  I  do  not  know — I  was  not  then  a 
member  of  the  Board."  "  I  Irf-  CONSIDER  .4:11  chaplain, 
missionary  instructor  of  Magdalens,  and  agent^  as  synony- 
mous in  this  case." — [This  was  said  by  a  merchant !]  "  He 
acted  as  our  agent  when  he  went  for  us  to  present  our  me- 
morial to  the  General  Assembly — and  he  calls  himself  our 
agent  in  his  Journal."  "  I  don't  know  of  any  appointment  or 
acceptance,  but  I  always  t^  CONSIDERED  =|:i|  him  as 
our  agent."  "  I  do  not  recollect  that  he  ever  accepted  the 
agency." 

Such  was  the  substance  of  the  testimony  on  which  the 
Presbytery  relied  in  deciding  this  grave  question — as  the 
Synod  will  find  on  examining  the  minutes  of  testimony, 
should  they  be  found  and  sent  up.  To  say  nothing  of  the  in- 
competency of  interested  witnesses,  still  some  of  the  evi- 
dence taken  from  them  was  improper  and  unfair — for  in- 
stance, they  suffered  the  aforesaid  John  Wheelwright  to  read 
in  evidence  such  extracts  from  his  and  my  private  corres- 
pondence as  he  chose  to  make ;  while  the  original  letters 
were  kept  back  and  no  certified  copies  placed  on  file  :  thus 
preventing  the  tribunal  from  seeing  and  knowing  that  part  of 
the  correspondence  which  made  against  the  witness  and 
party,  and  in  my  favor.  And  when  the  letter,  or  a  copy,  was 
demanded  by  a  member,  he  was  refused,  with  the  approba- 
tion of  the  Presbytery, — Doctor  Peters,  the  Moderator, — say- 
ing that  the  demand  was  out  of  order. 

This  is  also  but  a  sample  of  the  taking  of  unfair  and  ille- 
gal testimony. 

XIIT.  I  complain  against  the  judgment  and  sentence  of  the 
Presbytery  as  being  unjust  and  unrighteous.  The  "digested 
plan  "  upon  which  the  whole  prosecution  was  conducted  was 
founded  in  error.  It  departed  from  the  special  business  spe- 
cified in  the  Circular.    It  assumed  a  sheer  fiction  for  its  basis, 


REV.    JOHN    R.    M  DOWALL.  335 

totally  destitute  of  truth  and  reality,  viz.  that  Common  Fame 
charged  me  with  the  three  specified  offences.  It  falselv 
assumed  that  those  offences  were  of  such  a  scandalous  and 
flagitious  character  as  to  render  them  proper  for  the  cogni- 
zance of  the  Presbytery  upon  the  ground  of  Common  Fame. 
It  made  an  inequitable  and  unrighteous  distinction  between 
the  two  parties  before  the  Presbytery,  degrading  the  one  and 
exalting  the  other.  It  introduced  one  of  the  parties  as  wit- 
nesses in  their  own  cause,  and  shut  the  mouth  of  the  other. 
It  necessarily  made  the  tribunal  which  should  have  been  im- 
partial between  the  parties,  accusers  and  prosecutors,  when 
the  parly  aggrieved  offered  to  leave  the  judge's  bench  and  be- 
come accuser  and  prosecutor  himself.  And  it  was  calculat- 
ed to  elicit  and  call  into  action  all  that  partiality  for  the  Fe- 
male Benevolent  Society  which  a  portion  of  the  Presbytery 
must  necessarily  feel  from  their  intimate  connections  wath 
I  hat  Society. 

Such  being  the  errors,  and  real,  if  not  designed  results  of 
the  "  digested  plan,''''  its  prosecution  was  accompanied  by 
errors  equally  unjust  and  oppressive.  I  was  refused  any  rea- 
sonable time  to  procure  testimony  and  prepare  for  trial.  In 
vain  I  had  asked  for  counsel  in  the  Presbytery,  nor  would 
they  consent  that  I  should  have  one  from  without.  By  these 
oppressive  acts  of  the  Presbytery  I  was  compelled  to  aban- 
don my  defence.  My  cause  was  thereafter  compromitted  bv 
a  pretended  unreal  exparte  trial,  accompanied  by  a  sham  de- 
fence, set  up  for  me  by  incompetent  counsel,  neither  willino- 
nor  able  properly  to  present  my  testimony,  or  the  grounds  of 
my  defence. 

I  may  add  to  the  evils  already  enumerated,  that  the  neces- 
sary abandonment  of  my  defence  before  the  Presbytery,  made 
necessary  by  their  own  acts,  is  by  their  judgment  declared  to 
be  contumacious  !  But,  finally,  the  last  evil  arising  out  of 
this  course  which  I  shall  enumerate,  is  the  fact  that  ray 
cause  has  not  been  heard  and  tried  by  the  Presbytery  con- 
sisting of  more  than  THIRTY  MINISTERS  and  more 
than  TWENTY  ELDERS— nor  by  a  majority  of  the  Pres- 
bytery—nor by  the  elders  of  the  churches  ;  but  mostly  by 
that  portion  of  the  ministers  who  are  known  to  be  closely 
■connected  with  the  Female  Benevolent  Society.     Many  of 


336  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

ihe  members  of  the  Presbytery  were  early  grieved  and  dis- 
gusted with  the  "  digested  plan,''^  and  with  the  spirit  with 
which  it  was  followed  ;  and  ihey  absented  themselves  from 
the  house.*  Rarely  were  there  present  more  than  two  or 
three  elders,  besides  the  aforesaid  John  Wheelwright.  And 
tJ^  ON  THE  FINAL  VOTE  .=^;j^  according  to  the  best  evidence 
I  can  obtain,  none  of  the  ministers  voted  in  the  affirmative, 
except  the  following  NINE,  to  wit :  Messrs.  Peters,  Skinner, 
White,  Hall,  Porter,  Owen,  Slocum,  Mines,  and  Adams  ;  and 
of  the  elders  of  the  churches  only— none — no,  not  one!" 

XIV.  In  conclusion,  I  complain  "  of  a  most  unwarrantable 
and  unchristian  use  of  the  Public  Press  "  by  the  Presbytery, 
in  publishing  their  unjust  and  unrighteous  sentence  against 
me,  while  an  appeal  is  taken  to  the  higher  tribunal  against 
their  ^''digested  plan,^^  comprising  the  very  foundation  and 
basis  of  their  subsequent  proceedings. 

If  the  fiction  about  Common  Fame  shall  turn  out  to  be  a 
fiction — if  the  charges  be  not  in  their  nature  cognizable  upon 
the  ground  of  Common  Fame — if  the  witnesses  were  inte- 
rested— if  my  trial  were  a  sham  and  exparte  trial — then  was 
the  Prosecution  wholly  illegal  and  baseless.  And  yet  this 
Presbytery  (I  should  say  these  nine  individuals)  have  pub- 
licly "  impeached  and  censured  my  individual  conduct  and 
character  to  a  total  disregard  of  the  law  of  Christ" — in  Mat- 
thew, 18th  chapter — one  of  the  very  alleged  offences  for  which 
they  have  suspended  me  from  the  gospel  ministry.  And  may 
it  not  be  said,  and  said  truly,  that  "  Common  Fame  charges" 
these  nine  gentlemen  "  with  unchristian  and  unministerial 
conduct,"  and  a  bad  spirit  ? 

The  sentence  of  which  I  complain,  and  against  which  I 
appeal,  is  in  the  following  words,  extracted  from  the  New- 
York  Observer  of  the  SOth  of  April,  1S36,  to  wit : 

*  The  moderator  (Mr.  Hall)  rose  one  day  m  the  Presbytery,  and 
spoke  nearly  as  follows  :  "  Brethren,  you  wonder  why  so  few  attend 
our  meetings.  1  will  lell  you.  Members  have  come  privately  to  me 
and  told  me  that  there  was  such  a  spirit  here  that  they  could  not  at- 
tend." 

P.  S.  If  I  have  misrepresented  any  Individual,  on  being  convicted 
of  the  fact,  I  will  do  him  justice.  As  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Lewis,  I  am 
happy  to  add,  that  on  one  or  two  occasions  he  manfully  advocated 
my  interest-". 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  337 

"Third  Presbytery  of  New- York,  April  20,  1836. 

*'  The  Presbytery,  before  proceeding  to  express  their  ulti- 
mate decision  in  this  case,  deem  it  proper  to  record  their 
regret  that  they  were  laid  under  the  necessity  of  proceeding 
in  the  trial  in  the  absence  of  the  accused  ;  but  this  necessity 
having  been  imposed  by  himself,  the  Presbytery  think  that 
he  has  no  cause  for  complaint.  And  further,  they  do  judge 
and  determine,  that  his  conduct, ^rsZ,  in  abruptly  leaving  the 
court ;  secondly,  in  twice  refusing  to  accept  the  Presbytery's 
invitation  to  him  to  return,  together  with  his  reasons  for  re- 
fusal ;  and  thirdly,  in  prosecuting  his  defence  in  the  public 
papers,  while  the  Presbytery  were  engaged  in  investigating 
charges  against  him  on  matters  contained  in  the  previous 
part  of  that  defence,  is  in  a  high  degree  contumacious. 

"  The  Presbytery  also  judge,  that  notwithstanding  the  ab- 
sence of  Mr.  M'Dowall,  the  evidence  being  in  a  great  part 
documentary,  and  derived  from  his  own  publications,  and 
the  witnesses  being  well  known  as  christians  of  established 
reputation,  and  their  testimony  perfectly  concurring  in  all 
material  points,  the  merits  of  the  case  have  been,  on  the 
whole,  fairly  exhibited. 

"  Therefore,  on  the  ground  of  the  preceding  decisions,  and 
of  the  charges  which  have  been  sustained  against  him,  the 
Presbytery 

^^  Resolved,  That  the  said  John  R.  M'Dowall  be,  and 
hereby  is,  suspended  from  the  exercise  of  all  the  functions 
of  the  gospel  ministry,  until  he  shall  give  satisfactory  ev - 
dence  of  repentance,  in  the  particulars  of  which  he  has  been 
convicted. 

"  The  Presbytery,  in  connection  with  their  decision,  in  the 
case  of  the  Rev.  John  R.  M'Dowall,  deem  it  proper  to  pass 
the  following  Resolutions : 

"  i.  Resolved,  That  in  the  judgment  of  this  Presbytery,  r 
most  unwarrantable  and  unchristian  use  is  made  of  the  pub^ 
lie  press,  in  impeaching  and  censuring  individual  conduct 
and  character,  to  a  total  disregard  of  the  law  of  Christ  re- 
specting the  manner  of  dealing  with  those  who  have  offended ; 
and  that  this  great  and  crying  evil  should  receive  the  uni- 
versal reprehension  of  the  friends  and  followers  of  Christ. 

"  3.  Resolved,  That  this  Presbytery  has  painful  evidence 
29 


33S  MEMOir.     OF    THE 

that  the  sin  of  lewdness  is  lamentabiy  prevalent  in  our  coua- 
try.  And  in  view  of  the  influx  of  foreigners  from  countries- 
where  popular  education  and  the  standard  of  morals  are  low, 
the  great  facilities  for  intercourse  between  the  cities  and  the 
country,  by  which  the  corruptions  of  the  former  are  diffused 
through  the  latter — the  existence  and  circulation  of  obscene 
and  immodest  prints,  of  novels  and  other  works,  adapted  to 
break  down  the  barriers  of  natural  delicacy  and  a  chaste  edu- 
cation, and  the  direct  agency  for  seduction,  which  there  is 
reason  to  apprehend  is  carried  on  in  the  country  by  emissa- 
ries from  the  city  :  This  Presbytery  earnestly  recommend  to 
the  members  of  their  churches,  and  to  all  others  throughout 
our  land  with  whom  their  opinion  may  have  influence,  care- 
fully to  guard  the  associations  and  reading  of  the  youth  ;  to 
exercise  caution  in  the  formation  of  intimacies  with  persons 
of  whom  they  have  little  or  no  knowledge;  to  procure  the  ju- 
dicious and  solemn  testimony  of  the  pulpit  against  licentious- 
ness, and  those  customs  and  amusements  which  lead  to  it. 
"  And  finally,  to  exercise  great  wisdom  and  caution,  lest 
the  very  eflbrts  to  prevent  this  vice  should  themselves  be- 
come the  occasions  of  its  spread,  by  rendering  the  mind  too- 
familiar  with  indelicate  facts  and  associations. 
"  A  true  extract  from  the  minutes, 

"  Erskine  Mason,  Stated  Clerk.^' 

All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted, 

J.  R.  M'DOWALL. 

New-York,  April  30,  1830. 


CHAPTER  XXXI. 

Difficulty  of  obtaining  a  copy  of  the  doings  of  Presbytery— Sympa- 
thies of  friends — Meeting  and  result  of  the  Synod. 

By  referring  to  the  Appeal  it  v^rill  be  seen  that  Mr» 
M' Do  wall  stated  he  had  been  denied  a  copy  of  the  docu- 
ments, and  by  his  agent  and  himself  haxl  made  seven  ap 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  339 

plications  to  the  stated  clerk  for  the  privilege  of  taking  a 
copy  at  his  own  expense.  July  8th.  The  following  letter 
is  found  among  his  papers,  directed  to  the  Rev.  Erskine 
Mason. 

April  19th,  1836. 

"  Dear  Sir, — I  wrote  a  note  to  the  clerk  of  the  Third 
Presbytery,  New- York,  requesting,  at  my  expense,  a  copy 
of  the  proceedings  'of  the  whole  process'  of  said  Presby- 
tery against  me,  according  to  Book  of  Discipline,  page 
378.  April  20th,  Rev.  Dr.  Skinner  read  said  request  be- 
fore Presbytery,  and  recognized  it  as  a  constitutional  right, 
and  the  written  note  was  returned,  v/ith  the  understanding 
that  such  a  copy  could  be  obtained  by  applying  to  the 
stated  clerk,  who  was  then  absent.  On  the  2 1st,  an  appli- 
cation was  accordingly  made  to  the  slated  clerk  for  a  copy 
of  the  said  '  proceedings,'  and  an  answer  was  returned 
that  '  the  papers  were  not  in  proper  order  for  copying.' 
Another  call  was  made  the  same  week,  and  the  applicant 
was  informed  the  '  papers  were  not  ready.' 

"  On  Monday  of  the  succeeding  week,  another  applica- 
tion was  made  for  a  copy  of  the  said  '  proceedings,'  but  the 
^  papers  were  not  ready.'  On  Tuesday  the  original  min- 
utes were  obtained  and  copied,  but  the  files,  &c.  were  yet 
invisible.  '  The  clerk  did  not  know  where  they  were.' 
On  Wednesday  the  applicant  called,  and  found  the  clerk 
not  at  home;  called  again,  found  him  at  home,  but  unable 
to  give  any  definite  information  respecting  the  said  papers, 
and  the  applicant,  spending  several  hours  in  vain  efforts  to 
find  them,  returned,  and  reported  to  Mr.  M'Dowall  the  re- 
sult of  his  enterprise.  April  27th,  I  myself  called  twice 
at  the  clerk's  residence.  He  was  not  in  when  I  called  the 
first  time;  the  second  time,  Isaw  him.  Immediately  on  leav- 
ing his  house  I  made  the  following  minute  of  my  interview 
with  him: — 'I  saw  Mr.  Mason.  He  told  me  he  did  not 
know  where  the  documents  were.    Did  not  know  whether 


340  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

the  clerks  pro  tern,  had  transcribed  them.  His  brother  h^ad 
called  for  them.  He  was  under  no  obligation  to  give  me  a 
copy  till  transcribed.  Had  favored  me  with  a  copy  of 
minutes  before  transcribed,  and  was  liable  to  censure  for 
his  kindness  in  that  respect.  Did  not  know  whether  they 
were  in  session-house  or  not.'  And  the  question  '  Well,  il? 
not  certain  that  I  can  have  a  copy  these  three  months  ? 
He  replied,  '  he  did  not  know.' 

''April  30i^,  1836. — Noticed  the  above  whhholding  of 
a  copy  of  the  whole  proceedings  as  a  denial. 

*'  June  27th,  1836. — I  wrote  to  the  stated  clerk  of  the  said 
Presbytery  requesting,  at  my  expense,  a  copy  of  the  whole 
proceedings  in  my  case  ;  and  the  applicant,  after  calling  at 
the  house  of  the  Rev.  E.  Mason  eight  times,  gives  me  the 
Jesuit  in  the  following  words  of  the  stated  clerk: 

"  'Be  good  enough  to  say  to  Mr.  M' Do  wall,  that  after 
mature  deliberation,  I  cannot  allow  the  testimony  in  file  to 
go  out  of  my  possession  to  be  copied,  without  an  order 
from  the  Presbytery  to  that  effect.  The  Presbytery  will 
meet  in  a  few  days,  and  I  will  lay  the  subject  before  them.^ 

"Since  the  Presbytery  condemned  me,  I  have,  by  my 
agents  and  by  myself,  called  fifteen  times  at  the  residence 
of  the  said  clerk,  for  a  copy  of  all  the  papers  and  proceedings 
used  in  my  trial  before  the  said  Presbytery,  at  an  expense 
of  not  less  than  ten  dollars  ;  and  I  was  willing  to  pay  for 
a  copy.  I  never  wished  for  the  original,  but  for  a  certified 
copy  of  the  original.  The  last  answer  is  not  a  reply  to 
my  question.  I  am  not  anxious  that  the  person  whom  I 
employ  should  make  the  copy.  Let  the  stated  clerk  pay 
some  proper  person  to  do  the  work,  and  then  certify  it,  and 
charge  me  with  the  cost.  I  am  poor — absolutely  unable 
to  expend  another  cent  to  pay  a  person  to  he  in  waiting  to 
know  when  I  can  have  a  copy.  Besides,  I  am  about  leav- 
ing the  city,  and  desire  to  settle  the  question  at  once, 
whether  I  can  have  a  copy  or  not. 

"J.     R,    M' Do  WALL." 


REV.    JOHN    R.     m'dOWALL.  341 

To  the  Stated  Clerk  of  the  Tkird  Presbytery,  New-York. 

New- York,  August  10th,  1836. 
"  Sir, — The  Constitution  of  the  Presbyterian  church 
says,  '  The  parties  shall  be  allowed  copies  of  the  whole 
proceedings,  at  their  own  expense,  if  they  demand  them.' 
I  have,  in  mild  form,  and  by  way  of  request,  repeatedly 
demanded  a  certified  copy  of  the  whole  proceedings  in  my 
case.  I  have  expended  about  ten  dollars  in  the  employ- 
ment of  persons  who  have  in  vain  repeatedly  called  upon 
you  for  a  copy.  I  am  unable  to  keep  a  person  in  daily 
attendance  waiting.  Wherefore  the  bearer  will  call  at 
your  residence,  No.  104  Amity-street,  in  one  week  from 
this  time,  i.  e.  on  the  17th  instant,  and  pay  you  for  a  copy 
of  the  whole  proceedings,  which  I  hereby  do  most  for- 
mally and  urgently  demand  as  my  constitutional  right. 

"J.    R.    M'DOAVALL. 

'*  p.  S. — The  bearer  of  the  above  letter  was  informed 
that  Mr.  Mason  was  in  the  country,  and  would  not  return 
till  1st  of  September. 

Copy  of  a  Letter  from  Mr.  Mason  to  Mr.   MDowall, 
dated  September  od,  1836. 

"New- York,  Sept.  3d,  1836'. 

"  Sir — After  several  ineffectual  attempts  to  hand  you 
personally  the  foregoing  decision  of  the  Presbytery,*  I 
enclose  the  same  to  you  through  the  post-office,  assuring 
you  at  the  same  time  of  the  deep  sympathy  of  the  Pres- 
bytery with  you  in  your  present  situation,  and  that  their 
decision  is  meant  not  for  your  destruction,  but  for  your  sal- 
vation. 

"  I  should  like  to  have  a  personal  interview  with  you. 
I  have  called  several  times  at  your  lodgings,  but  have  not 
been  able  to  find  you  at  home.    Some  of  your  statements 

*  Mr.  M'Dowall  did  not  want  a  copy  of  the  decision,  but  the 
whole  proceedings. 

29* 


342  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

in  public,  as  well  as  in  a  note,  I  found  at  my  house  on  my 
return  from  the  country,  need  correction.  You  are  labor- 
ing under  wrong  impressions  ;  and  though  the  statements 
to  which  I  allude  militate  against  myself  personally,  yet 
I  wish  as  a  friend  to  correct  them,  not  because  I  fear  their 
effect  upon  me,  for  in  this  relation  they  are  perfectly  harm- 
less, but  for  your  own  sake. 

"  Yours,  &c. 

'*Erskine  Mason." 

The  following  is  the  slatement  of  Mr.  Darker. 

"  Mew-Yorx,  Sept.  10th,  1836. 

"  On  the  night  of  yesterday,  Friday,  9th  instant,  I  waited' 
on  Mr.  Erskine  Mason,  at  his  house.  No.  104  Amity- 
street,  by  direction  of  Mr.  M'Dowall,  to  request  a  copy  oi 
the  whole  proceedings  of  Presbytery  in  April  last,  accord- 
ing to  the  tenor  of  Mr.  M'Dowall's  letter  to  Mr.  Mason, 
dated  10th  August,  1836. 

"  I  saw  Mr.  Mason,  and  told  him  that  I  called  on  him,  at 
Mr.  M'Dowall's  request,  for  an  answer  to  that  letter,  10th 
August.  Mr.  Mason  said  he  had  sent  Mr.  M'Dowall  an 
answer ;  to  which  I  replied,  that  the  answer  did  not  apply 
to  Mr.  M'Dowall's  request,  which  was  for  a  copy  of  the 
whole  proceedings  of  Presbytery  in  Mr.  M'Dowall's  case; 
that  what  Mr.  Mason  had  sent  him  was  the  decision  of  the 
Presbytery,  which  he  had  already.  Mr.  Mason  said,  that 
Mr.  M'Dowall  had  the  proceedings  of  Presbytery,  taken 
down  at  his  own  instance,  at  the  time  of  the  occurrence ;  to 
which  I  replied,  I  could  not  say  as  to  that  matter,  but  that 
I  had  now  to  request,  for  Mr.  M'Dowall,  a  copy  of  the 
whole  proceedings,  or  that  he  might  be  allowed  to  take  a 
copy  personally  or  by  his  clerk.  Mr.  Mason  said  yes— that 
he  had  long  ago  told  him,  in  his  ears^  that  he  might  take 
a  copy  of  the  proceedings,  but  that  Mr.  M'Dowall  wanted 
to  have  the  papers  away,  which  he,  Mr.  Mason,  could  not 


REV.     JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  343 

consent  to-— he  could  not  let  the  papers  go  out  of  his  pos- 
session. I  said  that  Mr.  Mason  must,  on  that  point,  be  mis- 
taken; that  he,  Mr.  M'Dowall,  did  not  want  the  papers  out 
of  his  possession — that  he  merely  wanted  to  obtain  a  copy. 
Mr.  Mason  said,  that  Mr.  M'Dowall  had  already  gotten 
every  thing  that  could  be  given  him  except  the  testimony. 
To  which  I  replied,  it  was  the  testimony  and  whole  pro- 
ceedings that  he  required:  and  asked,  if  Mr.  M'Dowall 
would  send  a  person  to  take  a  copy  of  the  proceedings,  if 
Mr.  Mason  would  permit  him  to  do  so  1  Mr.  Mason  said 
yes  ;  and  I  replied,  that  it  was  probable  he  would  send  a 
person  at  nine  o'clock  on  Saturday  or  Monday  morning 
next,  say  10th  or  12th  instant,  just  to  take  the  required 
copy.  Mr.  Mason  said  that  ten  o'clock  would  be  more 
convenient.  A  lady  who  was  present,  (I  suppose  Mrs. 
Mason,)  said  Mr.  Mason  could  not  have  any  person  in  his 
study  on  Saturday,  for  some  reason  which  I  do  not  recol- 
lect; but  the  objection  was  overruled  by  Mr.  Mason,  and  I 
came  away  with  an  understanding  that  Mr.  M'Dowall 
would  be  permitted  this  day,  Saturday  10th,  or  Monday 
12th  instant,  to  have  access  to  the  papers,  and  be  allowed 
to  take  from  them  a  copy  of  the  whole  proceedings  of 
Presbytery  in  Mr.  M'Dowall's  case,  as  they  were  noted  in 
April,  1836. 

"  Wm.  Darker." 

On  the  day  appointed  a  man  was  sent,  and  admission 
granted  to  the  papers,  and  a  mutilated  copy  was  obtained. 

When  the  Presbytery  had  finished  the  work  which  was 
given  them  to  do,  they  dissolved  their  long  and  tedious 
sitting,  in  the  meantime  assuring  Mr.  M'Dowall  they  had 
•'  done  whatt  hey  had  done,  for  his  salvationy  Though 
the  heart  of  M'Dowall  was  deeply  smitten,  he  seemed 
more  cheerful,  more  intent  (if  possible)  on  the  work  of  his 
Master,  devising  some  plan  whereby  he  might  still  be  an 
active  laborer  in  that  vineyard  *'  where  he  had  borne  the 


S44  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

burden  and  heat  of  the  day."  He  went  to  the  docks  and 
ships  and  preached  Christ  to  sailors ;  he  exhorted  all 
whom  he  could  to  read  the  Scriptures,  and  seemed  less 
disposed  to  converse  on  the  subject  of  his  trials  than  did 
the  few  sympathizing  friends  who  had  never  deserted  him. 
A  friend,  who  saw  him  a  few  days  after  his  sentence, 
asked,  And  what  have  your  brethren  done  with  you  ? 
*'  Done,"  he  answered,  "  they  have  taken  a  servant  of  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  whom  he  has  called  to  preach,  and 
told  him  he  shall  speak  no  more.  But  mark,  there  is  a 
lio-hteous  God,  and  a  risrhteous  tribunal." 

His  family  in  a  few  weeks  left  the  city,  and  he  remain- 
ed to  make  preparation  for  the  meeting  of  the  Synod. 
Avhich  in  the  following  October  was  to  assemble  in  the 
city.  To  that  he  had  given  the  Presbytery  timely  notice 
he  should  appeal,  when  he  hoped  a  more  impartial  hear- 
ing would  be  granted  him. 

.  He  was  now  without  his  family  and  without  a  home, 
though  not  wholly  destitute  of  friends,  who  pitied  and  re- 
lieved when  they  ascertained  his  wants ;  yet  his  retiring 
modesty  concealed  from  them  his  most  pressing  needs. 
Many  who  have  wept  over  his  grave  in  New- York, 
would  gladly  call  back  the  year  1836,  that  they  might  ad- 
minister more  to  the  wants  of  one  who  died  unpitied  and 
unknown  by  most  of  the  great  and  noble  of  the  earth. 

But  he  was  ripening  fast  for  glory;  his  last  work  was 
before  him,  and  he  did  it  with  all  his  might.  The  Bible 
was  his  companion  ;  from  that  he  drew  his  supplies,  and 
his  soul  seemed,  to  all  who  conversed  with  him,  like  a 
*'  well-watered  garden." 

On  a  little  scrap  of  paper  is  found  written,  at  this  time, 
*'  Who  art  thou  that  thou  shouldst  be  afraid  of  a  man  that 
shall  die,  and  of  the  son  of  man  that  shall  be  made  as 
grass  ?" 

"  Fear  ye  not  the  reproach  of  men,  neither  be  ye  afraid 
of  their  revilings." 


REV.     JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  345 

His  father,  who  is  now  a  clergyman  in  Canada,  had 
understood  from  the  beginning  that  his  son  was  not  in 
danger  of  the  wo,  when  all  men  should  speak  well  of 
him ;  he  had  sympathized  in  his  trials  and  given  him 
much  salutary  counsel,  as  his  letters  abundantly  testify. 

July  28th,    183G,  he  wrote  the  following : 

•*  Dear  John, — We  truly  sympathize  with  you.  Your 
trials  are  great  and  many.  God's  children  must  be  tried 
and  purified.  '  These  are  they  who  have  come  out  of 
great  tribulation,  and  have  washed  their  robes  and  made 
them  white  in  the  blood  of  the  Lamb.'  Blessed  are  they 
that  are  persecuted  for  righteousness'  sake.  All  who  live 
godly  in  Christ  Jesus  shall  suffer  persecution.  Persecu- 
tion has  been  the  lot  of  every  great  reformer  of  moral  cor- 
ruption. But  those  who  continue  faithful  to  the  end  shall 
sit  near  the  blessed  Savior,  on  a  high  throne  of  immortal 
bliss,  in  the  presence  of  countless  millions  of  holy  and  hap- 
py beings.  Take  courage,  then;  if  the  Lord  be  for  you, 
you  will  be  more  than  conqueror. 

"  You  have  drawn  your  bow  with  giant  strength,  and 
drove  sharp  arrows  deep  into  the  hearts  of  your  opposers. 
They  cannot  pluck  them  out.  There  they  remain,  rank- 
ling in  the  vital  parts.  The  consequence  must  be  either  re- 
pentance and  reformation,  or  hatred  and  opposition. 

''  The  third  Presbytery  seem  to  have  acted  unscriptural- 
ly,  and  from  deep-rooted  enmity,  and  in  such  a  manner  as 
to  inflict  on  themselves  an  indelible  stain.  Keep  plain 
truth  on  your  side,  and  you  will — you  must  triumph.  The 
devil  and  libertines  w^ill,  in  the  nature  of  things,  oppose 
your  work,  and  they  will  rejoice  and  be  strengthened  in 
their  opposition  by  the  aid  they  receive  from  professed 
disciples  of  Jesus.  Indeed,  the  devil  got  hold  of  David's 
heart,  and  dwelt  in  ihe  heart  of  Judas.  A  caution,  this,  to 
keep  him  out  of  our  heart." 

Many  such  like  testimonies  he  received  from  clergy- 


346  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

men  and  friends  in  the  country ;  and  many,  very  many, 
who  had  been  his  advocates,  stood  aloof,  "  wondering 
whereunto  this  thing  would  grow ;"  and  many  who  had 
said,  go  on  and  I  will  stand  by  you,  echoed  the  taunt  of 
the  clergyman,  on  the  trial  of  1834,  who  asserted  he  was 
ashamed  when  the  name  of  M'Dowall  was  mentioned, 
especially  in  the  presence  of  ladies. 

None  but  M'Dowall  knew  the  bitterness  of  those  dregs 
his  soul  was  tasting  the  few  last  weeks  before  the  sitting 
of  the  synod.  He  well  knew  the  body  that  were  about  to 
convene  .were  men  in  hisrh  standing — men  whose  in- 
fluence  was  felt  as  far  as  their  name  was  known.  They 
had  heard  that  M'Dowall  had  been  deposed;  and  deposed, 
too,  by  men  whose  names  were  among  the  excellent  of  the 
earth.  He  had  fallen  once  without  being  heard,  and  why 
not  again  ? 

It  is  easy  to  talk  fearlessly  of  "  perils  by  sea,  and  perils 
by  land,  and  perils  among  false  brethren,"  when  safely 
sheltered  from  the  rage  of  persecution:  but  let  the  storm 
gather — let  the  powers  of  darkness  muster  their  allies — 
let  those  who  have  spoken  kindly  "  pass  by  on  the  other 
side,"  then  let  the  thunderbolt  exhaust  its  full  fury — and 
this  courageous  heart  may  then  say,  "  See  if  there  was 
ever  sorrow  like  unto  my  sorrow,"  and  add  with  M'Dow- 
all, that  though  the  "  spirit  is  willing,  the  flesh  is  weak." 

It  was  in  the  month  of  August,  before  the  return  of  Mr. 
M'Dowall's  family  to  the  city,  that  he  called  at  the  house 
of  a  friend,  and  asked,  may  I  lie  down  upon  the  sofa  a  few 
moments — I  am  nearly  exhausted.  The  lady  of  the  house 
was  absent :  w^hen  she  returned,  a  caution  was  given  not 
to  enter  the  parlor,  for  Mr.  M'Dowall  had  come  in,  and 
had  fallen  asleep  upon  the  sofa ;  and  do  let  him  sleep,  for 
he  looks  like  a  dying  man.  She  looked  carefully  in,  and 
exclaimed,  "  He  is  dead.^^  Approaching  nearer,  she  found 
he  was  breathing.  His  cloak  was  about  him,  and  con- 
cealed some  part  of  his  face.  On  removing  it,  his  "  marred 
visage"  strikingly  testified  that  the  canker-worm  had  made 


REV.     JOHN    R.   m'dOWALL.  347 

its  nest  within.  She  awoke  him,  and  said,  "Mr.  M'Dowall, 
are  you  sick  ?"  "  Yes,  sick — sick  at  my  heart."  "  O,"  said 
she,  as  she  left  the  room,  "that  his  enemies  ^YOuld  cut 
short  their  work,  and  send  him  immediately  to  his  heaven- 
ly Father.  These  lingering  tortures  are  too  much.  Could 
the  bitterest  of  his  brethren  see  him  now — could  they  see 
his  haggard  cheek  and  colorless  lip — could  they  see  the 
quivering  tear  looking  out  at  the  windows  of  the  seared 
soul,  would  not  they  say  it  is  enough  V 

But  M'Dowall  had  not  quite  done,  and  suffered  all  the 
will  of  God.  A  {ii\Y  more  throbbings  of  his  frenzied  brain 
— a  few  more  bowings  downof  his  soul,  that  the  oppressor 
might  "pass  over"  before  the  convoy  of  angels  would 
alight  at  his  door. 

His  exertions  in  preparing  for  the  Synod  had  much  ex- 
hausted both  body  and  mind,  so  that  when  the  time  arrived 
he  was  illy  fitted  for  that  event.  But  he  appeared  before 
them,  and  spoke  impromptu,  and  that  body  can  say  whether 
he  spoke  like  a  man  of  understanding.  Some  who  were 
his  warm  friends  before  that  day  w^ould  not  have  dared  to 
pledge  themselves  that  Mr.  M'Dowall  could  have  spoken 
so  ably,  even  with  the  longest  premeditation.  He  was 
asked  on  the  morning  of  that  day,  should  he  be  permitted 
to  speak,  if  he  then  felt  himself  prepared?  Flis  answer 
was—*'  I  have  not  a  sentence  in  ray  mind  to  say,  but  shall 
speak  what  the  Lord  gives  me  to  utter  when  called  to 
do  it." 

His  defence  was  long,  but  not  tedious  to  those  who 
wished  to  judge  impartially.  He  said  what  all  did  not 
like  to  hear,  and  what  few  expected  to  hear.  He  summed 
up  his  doings,  and  the  reason  of  those  doings.  Fie  spoke 
of  trials  which  he  had  suffered  in  the  cause,  and  trials 
which  must,  and  probably  did,  make  the  "ears  of  some  to 
tingle."  Candor  was  certainly  exercised  by  the  majority 
of  that  body — the  potency  of  truth  was  felt.  He  retired 
much  overcome.     The  energies  of  body  and  mind  were 


348  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

greatly  prostrated.  His  work  on  this  subj<?ct  was  evidently 
done.  He  went  into  the  assembly  once  more,  and  made 
an  effort  to  speak  again,  but  it  seemed  almost  a  failure. 

He  was  acquitted.  But  that  moment  to  Mr.  M' Do  wall 
seemed  of  less  importance  than  his  friends  supposed  it 
would  :  he  never  alluded  to  it  himself;  and  when  others 
did,  he  changed  the  subject  as  soon  as  possible. 

He  seemed  wholly  absorbed  in  higher  and  nobler  pur 
suits.  The  value  of  the  Bible  was  a  subject  of  greater 
magnitude  in  his  estimation  than  all  others.  The  Sab- 
bath after  his  acquittal  he  spent  at  Sand  Lake,  New- 
York,  the  place  where  his  brother  was  preaching. 


CHAPTER  XXXII. 


Last    labors    and    wiitings— Sickness    and    death— Testimony   of 
Dr.  Brov.'n. 


His  brother  speaks  thus  of  him  when  there: 
"  Some  weeks  before  his  death  he  preached  three  times 
in  this  place  on  the  Sabbath,  to  the  great  satisfaction  of  this 
people.  Some  observed  that  he  was  too  heavenly-minded 
for  earth,  and  should  not  wonder  if  God  soon  removed 
him  from  earth  to  heaven." 

'*  He  returned  to  New- York,  and  went  into  his  office 
and  arranged  all  his  books  and  papers ;  and  when  asked 
what  he  was  doing?  his  answer  was — 'I  must  put  every 
thing  in  order,  for  I  know  not  what  my  Master  has  for 
me  to  do.'  He  then  went  from  place  to  place — visiting 
.schools — persuading  children  to  read  the  Bible.  He 
passed  three  Sabbaths  at  Williamsburgh — went  into  Sab- 
bath-schools, there  enforcing  the  same  subject,  and  ob- 


•  REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  349 

laining  pledges  from  those  who  would  give  them,  to  read 
the  Bible  through. 

''He  preached  in  Mr.  Wright's  church,  and  there  in  the 
most  pungent  manner  enforced  on  the  congregation  the 
importance  of  reading  the  Scriptures.  As  late  as  Novem- 
ber 29th,  a  collection  of  facts  is  found  of  adults  and  chil- 
dren who  had  read  the  Bible  through  in  so  many  months 
or  years;  and  one  statement,  which  he  makes  with  much 
surprise,  is — that  he  found  a  clergyman  who  acknowledged 
to  him  he  had  never  read  the  Bible  through  in  course. 

"  He  passed  a  night  at  the  house  of  a  friend  a  short  time 
before  his  sickness,  and  expressed  his  full  and  free  opinions 
on  his  favorite  subject — the  Bible;  and  added  his  belief, 
that  societies  had  done  much  evil  in  this  one  thing,  being 
made  a  substitute  for  the  Bible,  and  bearing  the  heart 
away  from  it  to  a  more  easy  and  less  self-denying  way  of 
serving  God  than  is  contained  in  that  book.  He  insisted 
a  new  state  of  things  must  take  place,  or  the  dark  ages 
would  return  upon  us  in  a  two-fold  degree.  He  became  so 
engaged  on  the  subject,  that  his  friend  remonstrated,  saying, 
*  M' Do  wall,  you  are  wild  :  what  new  notions  are  now  fill- 
ing your  head?'  '  No  new  notions,' was  the  answer.  'My 
mind,  for  a  long  time,  has  been  greatly  exercised  on  this 
subject,  but  never  till  within  a  few  months  have  I  been 
led  into  a  clear  and  full  belief  of  its  importance.  Chris- 
tians must  return  to  the  apostolic  practices,  if  they  would 
have  an  apostolic  church.  They  must  cease  this  rage 
of  money-making  as  the  best  means  of  building  up  the 
church  ;  Christ  has  no  where  enjoined  it;  he  instituted  no 
such  practice  for  his  disciples ;  and  the  apostles  built  no 
church  on  such  a  foundation." 

LAST  WRITINGS. 

After  the  rising  of  the  Synod,  Mr.  M'Dowall  seemed  to 
be  "  setting  his  house  in  order,"  not  knowing,  as  he  ex- 
30 


350  MEIHOIR    OF    THE  • 

pressed  it,  what  his  Master  might  call  him  to  do.  Aftef 
having  adjusted  the  papers  in  his  office,  he  applied  him- 
self  to  the  Bible,  exhorting  others  to  do  the  same,  and 
visited  different  places  in  the  vicinity  of  New- York,  to 
persuade  men,  women,  and  children,  to  read  the  Bible. 

His  mind,  for  some  time  previous,  had  been  exercised 
on  the  plan  of  preaching  the  Gospel  to  every  creature — 
comparing  the  present  mode  of  sending  it  abroad  into  "all 
the  earth,"  and  the  injunction  of  the  Savior,  to  provide 
neither  ''  gold  nor  scrip."  He  finally  came  to  the  result, 
that,  until  Christians  read  the  Bible  more,  and  were  bap- 
tized wuh  the  Holy  Ghost,  all  the  gold  and  silver  in  the 
earth  could  never  effect  this  great  work  ;  and  when  this 
should  be  understood  aright,  and  Christians  should  take 
the  Bible  for  the  only  standard,  and  be  baptized  whh  this 
baptism,  then  the  Gospel  would  be  preached  without  the 
aid  of  missionary  societies,  or  depending  solely  on  the 
funds  collected  by  them. 

Among  the  items  of  his  last  writings  were  found  his 
views  on  this  subject,  together  with  his  renunciation  of 
Presbvterianism,  and  a  little  collection  of  facts  on  his  fa- 
vorite subject — reading  the  Bible,  bearing  date,  Novemt- 
ber  29lh,  1836. 


"  The  circumstances  of  my  case  are  peculiar.  The  re- 
cent sentence  of  suspension  has  been  reversed.  The 
Presbytery  have  given  notice  of  their  intention  to  appeal. 
If  they  appeal,  that  appeal  cannot  be  issued  until  May, 
1837.  If  the  sentence  of  the  Synod  be  sustained,  then  the 
prosecution  ordered  by  the  Synod  must  be  commenced, 
and  it  may  not  be  terminated,  in  Presbytery,  in  1838. 

•'  Again,  an  appeal  may  be  made,  first  to  Synod,  and  then 
to  the  General  Assembly,  in  1839,  and  all  these  years  I 
must  remain  in  doubt,  be  harassed,  and  live  as  I  can. 
This  is,  to  my  mind,  a  gloomy  picture  ;  and  on  the  can- 


REV.    JOKN    R.    m'dOWALL.  351 

vas  I  seem  to  see  myself '  hunted  as  a  partridge  upon  the 
mountains,'  all  along  the  road  to  my  grave." 

"  How  shall  I  employ  my  time  ?  Engage  in  what  I 
will,  the  Presbytery  may  arrest  my  labors  at  any  moment 
they  please,  whether  the  Presbytery  appeal  or  not,  this 
evil  must  exist  as  a  formidable  barrier  in  my  way. 

*•  It  will  be  recollected,  that  in  1834,  by  the  advice  of 
the  Third  Presbytery,  I  withdrew  from  the  management 
of  the  publication  of  my  Journal,  which  I  transferred  to 
the  New- York  Female  Moral  Reform  Society.  The  Pres- 
bytery disapproved  of  my  laboring  in  the  cause.  Probably 
they  will  not  object  to  my  reading  the  Bible,  and  that  1 
may  both  search  the  Scriptures  and  labor  to  induce  others 
to  do  the  same. 

"  I  have  passed  through  years  of  toil ;  been  supported 
some  part  of  the  time  by  alms ;  and  often  these  alms  have 
been  scanty  for  the  support  of  my  family,  into  which  I 
had  taken  many  a  forlorn  and  motherless  child. 

"  To  labor  with  my  hands,  and  earn  my  bread  by  the 
sweat  of  my  brow,  is  honorable  business,  and,  like  Paul,  I 
am  not  averse  to  it,  but  desirous,  if  not  of  making  tents,  at 
least  of  making  something  that  shall  be  useful  to  mankind, 
and  provide  something  for  my  family.  But  I  am  not  a  me- 
chanic, nor  was  I  educated  for  a  merchant's  counting-room. 
Still,  agriculture  opens  a  wide  field  for  labor,  and  here  I 
may  yet  find  a  quiet  retreat  from  the  '  strife  of  tongues.* 

"  It  is  good  to  trust  in  the  Lord  at  all  times.  Fie  that 
putteth  his  trust  in  God  shall  never  be  confounded.  Take 
no  thought,  saying,  what  shall  we  eat,  and  what  shall  we 
drink,  and  wherevvithal  shall  ye  be  clothed  :  for  your 
heavenly  Father  knoweth  that  ye  have  need  of  these 
things.  When  the  children  of  Israel  were  going  up  out 
of  Egypt,  their  clothes  waxed  not  old,  and  manna  was 
their  daily  bread.  The  widow's  barrel  of  meal  and  cruse 
of  oil  failed  not  during  the  famine;  and  ravens  ft^d  the 
prophet  in  the  wilderness. 


352  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

"  Till  heaven  and  earth  pass,  not  one  jot  or  tittle  of  his 
word  shall  fail.  The  hearts  of  all  are  in  the  hands  of  the 
Lord,  and  it  is  easy  for  him  to  dispose  them  to  execute 
his  will. 

"  During  my  warfare  I  have  found  comfort  in  reading 
the  Holy  Scriptures,  and  their  value  has  been  enhanced  in 
my  estimation. 

RENUNCIATION    OF    FRESBYTERIANISM, 

"  1st.  I  believe  the  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New  Tes- 
tament to  be  the  word  of  God  ;  the  only  infallible  rule  of 
faith  and  practice. 

•'  2d.  1  do  sincerely  receive  and  adopt  the  system  of  doc- 
trines taught  by  the  inspiration  of  God  in  the  Holy  Scrip- 
tures. 

"  3d.  I  approve  of  the  discipline  of  the  church  as  stated 
in  the  New  Testament. 

*'  iih.  I  promise  scriptural  subjection  to  my  brethren  in 
the  Lord. 

"  5th.  I  believe  that  Jesus  Christ  has  called,  and  com- 
missioned me  to  preach  his  Gospel. 

'*6th.  1  renounce  all  human  creeds,  and  confessions  of 
faith  and  practice. 

"  7th.  I  do  not  approve  of  the  government  and  discipline 
of  the  Presbyterian  church  ;  and  the  recent  decision  of 
the  Synod  of  New- York  declares,  in  these  words,  that  in 
(he  judgment  of  this  Synod,  no  man  can  be  lawfully  a 
minister  (or  ruling  elder)  in  the  Presbyterian  church, 
who  has  not  approved  and  does  not  approve  of  her  go- 
vernment and  discipline. 

"  8^^.  1  must  stand  in  judgment  before  Jesus  Christ,  and 
render  to  him  a  strict  account.  Who  art  thou  that  con- 
demnest  another  man's  servant  ?  To  his  own  master  he 
shall  stand  or  fall.  Yea,  he  shall  be  holden  up,  for  God 
is  able  to  make  him  stand. 


REV.  JOHN  R.  m'dowall.  353 

■•  ^th.  I  have  but  one  life  to  live,  and  that  life  God  gave 
not  to  be  harassed  by  mock  trials,  by  prosecuting  an  ap- 
peal from  an  unrighteous  sentence,  illy  sustained,  even  by 
FALSE  WITNESSES,  garbled  extracts,  and  suppressed  testi- 
mony. Besides,  in  1834  the  third  Presbytery,  after  a  long 
and  patient  investigation  of  my  pecuniary  matters,  declared 
unanimously  that  they  saw  no  reason  to  impeach  me  in 
the  management  of  my  pecuniary  affairs;  and  Rev.  D.  C. 
Lansing,  Rev.  J.  Leavitt,  Wm.  Green,  Jun.  Lewis  Tappan, 
and  James  F.  Robinson,  Esq.  members  of  the  same  third 
Presbytery,  a  committee  appointed  by  my  donors  to  inves- 
tigate the  difficulties  existing  between  me  and  Messrs. 
Wheelwright  and  Starr,  and  the  New- York  Female  Be- 
nevolent Society;  and  to  audit  my  accounts,  and  report 
thereon  to  the  public  ;  discharged  the  duties  assigned 
them,  and  fully  exonerated  me  from  all  censure,  as  will 
appear  on  examination  of  their  published  Report,  on  the 
90th  and  97th  pages  of  my  Journal  for  1834.  These  two 
verdicts,  and  the  recent  decision  of  the  Synod,  justify  me 
in  refusing  to  be  unrighteously  harassed  any  longer  by  a 
prosecuti?ig  and  persecuting  FYeshyieTy — at  once  the  parti/, 
THE  WITNESSES,  the  Judges,  and  the  EXECUTIONERS. 

•*  10/A.  In  renouncing  Prcsbyterianism,  I  deem  it  proper 
to  tender  to  God,  and  to  the  Synod  of  New- York,  my  sin- 
cere gratitude  for  the  Synod's  candor  and  impartiality  in 
trial  of  my  appeal. 

"  I  believe  the  Synod's  opinion  is  right,  and  that  the 
Presbytery  ought  not  to  have  appealed  from  it.  The 
Presbytery  refuse  to  grant  me  a  new  trial ;  and,  as  the 
Synod  and  Presbytery  have  become  parties  in  the  case, 
and  intend  to  argue  it  in  Philadelphia,  in  May,  1837,  be- 
fore the  General  Assembly ;  and  as  the  Assembly  will 
probably  sustain  the  Synod,  and  order  the  Presbytery  to 
institute  a  new  trial;  and  as,  from  the  issue  of  a  new  trial, 
the  dissatisfied  party  will  probably  appeal  to  the  Synod, 
and  afterward  to  the  Assembly  in  1838 ;  and,  as  this  series 

30* 


354  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

of  trials  will  harass  the  parties,  and  agitate  the  church 
for  years,  as  in  the  case  of  Mr.  Barnes ;  and  as  the  Pres- 
byterian church  can  find  better  employment  than  the  issu- 
ing of  such  appeals  ;  and  as  prior  to  1838  my  Master  may 
possibly  call  me  home  to  heaven,  where  I  shall  rest  from 
the  strife  of  tongues  ;  and  as  poverty  may  compel  me  to 
abandon  the  wearisome  pursuit  after  justice ;  and  as  it  is 
better  for  me  to  be  about  my  Master's  business— 

"  Therefore,  from  the  further  prosecution  of  my  case  be- 
fore ecclesiastical  courts,  I  appeal  to  the  final  tri- 
bunal OF  JESUS  CHRIST,  who  shall  render  to  every 
man  according  to  his  works. 

''I  hereby  'publicly  declare  myself  to  he  a  Minister  of  Je- 
sus Christ,  separated  from  the  government  and  discipline 
of  the  Presbyterian  church. 

MISSIONARY    BOARDS    AS     CONNECTED     WITH     THE 
CONVERSION    OF    THE    WORLD. 

"  Suppose  the  apostles  had  organized  at  Jerusalem  Fo- 
reign and  Domestic  Missionary  Boards;  and  that  Paul 
had  seated  himself  at  the  head  of  one,  and  Peter  of  the 
other,  and  the  other  apostles  had  acted  as  secretaries  and 
agents ;  and  instead  of  the  apostles  going  forth  themselves 
as  missionaries,  they  had  raced  through  the  churches  to 
collect  funds  to  supply  the  tables  of  those  who  actually 
became  missionaries,  and  to  pay  themselves,  individually, 
salaries  of  some  $1,500,  or  $2,000  a-year,  how  soon 
would  Christianity  have  spread  through  the  world  ? !  !  In- 
stead of  this,  the  poor  disciples  and  apostles  of  the  Naza- 
rene,  staff  in  hand,  and  with  no  assurance  of  support  from 
missionary  societies,  went  forth  "every  where  preaching 
the  word" — the  church  mightily  increased — multitudes 
became  obedient  to  the  faith. 

"  They  sought,  first,  the  kingdom  of  God  and  his  righte- 
ousness, and  found  that  all  these  things,  '  What  shall  we 


REV.     JOHN    R.    M  DOWALL.  355 

eat,  and  wherewithal  shall  we  be  clothed,'  were  added 
unto  them. 

'•  The  barrel  of  meal  and  the  cruse  of  oil  were  often  re- 
plenished. 

"  How  simple  the  gospel  plan  of  missions  :  '  Go  preach 
my  Gospel,  saith  the  Lord  ;'  not  go  and  form  societies  to 
support  missionaries;  but  go  ye  who  would  form  societies  ; 
go  ye,  also,  and  preach  my  Gospel — go  all  and  preach  : 
tell  the  story  of  a  Savior's  dying  love.  Bid  rebel  man  his 
rebellion  cease.  Tell  him  there  is  mercy — mercy  for  the 
chief  of  sinners. 

"  Should  the  secretaries  and  agents  of  the  missionary  so- 
cieties go  forth  as  missionaries  to  foreign  lands,  and  to  the 
destitute  at  home,  and  through  the  periodical  press  make 
known  the  wants  of  the  people  in  their  several  stations, 
more  laborers  would  be  added  to  those  already  in  the  field. 
Pious  merchants,  individual!)'',  might  be  missionary  socie- 
ties, sending  in  their  ships  men,  and  money,  and  materials 
to  carry  forward  the  cause  of  the  Redeemer.  And  if  there 
must  be  societies,  let  deacons  and  laymen,  full  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  be  chosen  to  manage  them. 

"  When  the  Spirit  of  God  descends  upon  the  church,  as 
at  the  Pentecost,  men  unsent  and  unsustained  by  human 
organization  will  run  to  and  fro,  and  knowledge  will  in- 
crease. Strong  faith  in  God,  and  willingness  to  suffer  for 
Christ  and  souls,  will  characterize  the  saints,  and  they 
will  not  wait  to  be  sent  to  preach — they  will  go,  unsent 
by  man.  The  utter  insufficiency  of  missionary  boards  is 
demonstrated  by  two  facts:  1^^.  The  apostolic  church  had 
none ;  and  2d.  To  sustain  500,000  missionaries  would  re- 
quire an  organization  and  a  revenue  equal  to  that  of  the 
United  States  government  or  the  British  empire. 

"The  genius  of  the  Gospel  is  opposed  to  such 
A  pecuniary  ecclesiastical  establishment." 

These  are  the  last  dates  among  his  writings,  and  the 
next  work  was  to  die. 


356  MEMOIR    OF    THE 


SICKNESS   AND    DEATH. 


Come  hiiher,  you  who  have  scoffed,  and  you  who  have 
pitied ;  you  who  have  oppressed,  and  you  who  have  suc- 
cored, see  the  good  man  and  the  martyr  die.  Come,  ga- 
ther around  hisj^ed,  and  catch  the  burning,  dying  accents 
from  his  heaven-touched  lips.  Ye  who  have  comforted, 
bless  God  that  you  did  so  ;  but  remember,  would  you  die 
the  death  of  this  conqueror,  your  life,  like  his,  must  be 
that  of  the  untiring  soldier.  Ye  who  have  derided,  pray 
God  to  fit  you  for  that  baptism  with  which  he  was  bap- 
tized, and  thus  prepare  you  for  so  happy  a  death. 

The  last  effort  which  M' Do  wall  made,  was  to  go  to 
Newark  to  persuade  as  ma;ny  as  he  could  to  read  the 
Bible.    He  said  to  a  friend, 

"  I  came  for  the  purpose  of  visiting  families  and  schools, 
but  know  not  that  the  Lord  has  any  thing  for  me  to  do 
here." 

He  stopped  at  his  friend  Mr.  Dougherty's,  and  was 
there  taken  with  a  pain  in  the  knee.  Mr.  Dougherty  re- 
marks of  him,  that  his  conversation  was  in  heaven— he 
seemed  to  have  no  concern  about  earth  ;  and  the  friends 
who  passed  the  evening  with  him  observed  the  same. 
They  alluded  to  his  trials,  but  he  turned  the  conversation 
to  the  glories  of  the  upper  world.  God  was  evidently  fill- 
ing him  with  himself,  and  preparing  him  for  that  baptism 
of  the  Holy  Ghost  which  in  a  few  days  after  he  so  abun- 
dantly received.  When  the  time  for  retiring  arrived,  he 
said  to  his  friend, 

"  I  do  not  wish  a  bed ;  let  me  have  a  blanket,  and,  if  I 
wish  it,  will  lay  down  upon  the  settee.  My  knee  is  quite 
painful.  I  cannot  sleep  much,  and  I  want  to  read  the 
Bible." 

A  lamp  was  placed  by  him,  and  in  the  morning  he  was 
found  in  the  same  position,  sitting  by  the  table  with  the 
Bible  in  his  hand,  saying  he  had  slept  but  little,  but  had 


35T 

passed  the  night  reading  that  precious  volume.  This  was 
his  last  earthly  visit.  That  day  he  went  home  in  much 
pain  ;  walked  from  the  landing  to  his  house  upon  two 
crutches.  When  he  entered  his  family  were  surprised, 
and  his  companion  asked, 

"  Why  did  you  not  take  a  hack  ?" 

"  You  know,"  said  he,  "  I  have  but  little  money." 

He  lay  down  to  die.  The  arrows  of  persecution  had 
long  since  well  nigh  dried  up  the  life-blood  of  his  veins  ; 
the  few  remaining  drops  \vere  concentrating  about  his 
heart  as  their  last  citadel,  refusing  any  longer  aid  to  that 
spirit  which  was  fast  ebbing  to  the  fountain  from  which 
it  sprung. 

The  next  morning,  which  was  Thursday,  a  physician 
was  called,  but  no  fears  were  excited  in  the  minds  of  his 
friends  that  his  life  was  in  danger. 

Friday  night  he  expressed  great  anxiety  to  see  a  friend, 
and  called  for  a  pencil  to  write  a  note,  but  was  not  able  to 
finish  it.  In  the  morning  early  the  friend  was  called,  who 
went,  and  found  him  agonizing  in  much  pain  in  his  knee. 
He  said,  as  she  entered, 

"  You  have  come.  I  have  been  very  anxious  to  see 
you — have  a  few  things  I  want  to  say  to  you.  I  want  to 
be  baptized  with  the  Holy  Ghost  and  with  fire,  and  I 
want  Christians  to  read  the  Bible  more.  I  have  thought 
of  asking  you  this  favor,  should  the  Lord  raise  me  from 
this  bed  of  sickness,  to  allow  me  to  meet  a  few  christian 
friends  in  your  back  parlor,  and  with  them  spend  an  hour 
in  reading  the  Scriptures,  and  praying  for  a  blessing  and 
a  descent  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  to  read  the  Bible  loithout 
note  or  comment.  I  have  selected  that  room  because  of 
its  retirement  and  the  many  Christians  who  resort  there. 
Does  it  meet  your  approbation  ?" 

Being  answered  in  the  affirmative,  he  said, 

"  What  day  will  be  most  convenient?" 

*'  It  is  immaterial,"  was  the  answer. 


358  MEMOIR    OF    THB 

"  One  week  from  next  Sabbath,  between  the  hours  of 
church,  or  after  church." 

He  then  turned  to  the  subject  of  this  baptism  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,  dwelling  with  much  emphasis  on  it. 

"  I  must  be  baptized  with  the  Holy  Ghost.  Pray,  pray 
that  I  may  be.  Christ,  and  him  crucified,  must  be  all  and 
in  all.  I  go  to  church,  I  hear  a  didactic  discourse,  but 
Christ  is  not  in  it.  I  come  home,  take  my  Bible,  and 
there  I  find  him.     O!  Christians  must  read  the  Bible." 

Though  now  "  standing  on  the  isthmus  between  two 
worlds,"  he  was  still  intent  on  doing  more  in  his  Master's 
vineyard ;  and  though  the  shadows  of  death  were  fast  ga 
thering  over  him,  and  his  "feet  were  stumbling  upon  the 
dark  mountains  of  the  grave,"  he  perceived  it  not,  neither 
did  his  friends  perceive  it.  Swallowed  and  lost  in  the  all- 
absorbing  theme  of  being  baptized  with  the  Holy  Ghost, 
that  he  might  be  completely  purified  from  the  dross  of 
this  world,  he  could  dwell  on  no  other  subject.  For  this 
he  struggled  till  the  blessing  came. 

The  following  Wednesday  he  said  to  a  friend, 

"  When  I  look  on  my  past  life  I  feel  that  I  have  done 
nothing.  I  want  to  be  stripped  entirely,  wholly  of  self- 
righteousness,  and  cling  to  the  righteousness  of  Christ. 
Lead  me  to  the  cross.^^ 

He  was  led  to  the  righteousness  of  Christ,  and  baptized 
with  the  Holy  Ghost  indeed.  After  requesting  his  friends 
to  pray  that  body  and  soul  might  be  at  peace,  he  fell  into 
a  sweet  sleep.  This  merciful  quietus  seemed  to  be  grant- 
ed to  strengthen  him  for  the  glories  about  to  be  revealed. 
When  he  awoke,  he  said, 

*•  Am  I  deceived,  or  have  I  been  wafted  to  heaven  and 
rested  on  Christ!" 

His  soul,  ere  he  was  aware,  "  made  him  like  the  cha- 
riots of  Aminadab."  The  electric  penetrating  fire  of  the 
Holy  Ghost  had  darted  athwart  his  soul,  and  seemed  to 
have  dried  up  every  pollution.     M^Dotvall  was  free.     He 


REV.  JOHN  R.  m'dcwall.  359 

had  struggled  through  the  maddening  current,  and  like 
the  shipwrecked  mariner,  safe  upon  a  rock,  he  calmly 
looked  on  the  foaming  billows  beneath  his  feet,  and  sweet- 
ly sung  of  x^ictory. 

In  this  happy  frame  he  continued  asking  his  friends  to 
pray  that  he  might  constantly  be  stayed  on  Christ,  and  en- 
joining all  to  read  the  Bible. 

"  Let  it  be  the  constant  guide,"  he  said. 

It  was  a  pleasure  to  his  friends  to  attend  him — lie  con- 
stantly manifested  such  a  meek,  quiet,  and  child-like  frame 
of  mind. 

In  the  kindest  manner  he  thanked  his  friends  for  the 
least  favor,  and  whenever  he  asked  for  water,  he  looked 
upon  the  one  near  him,  and  if  not  of  the  family,  would 
ask,  "  Are  you  a  disciple  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  ?"  If 
answered  in  the  affirmative,  "  Will  you  then  give  a  poor 
disciple  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  a  cup  of  cold  water  in 
the  name  of  a  disciple?  Give  me  pure  water,  wash  me  in 
pure  water." 

Though  it  might  always  be  said  of  M'Dowall  that  his 
"conversation  was  in  heaven,"  and  he  jived  as  •'seeing' 
him  who  is  invisible,"  yet  after  this  baptism  his  views 
were  so  lucid,  and  his  conversation  so  unearthly,  his-al- 
tendants  said  it  seemed  like  walking  on  holy  ground  to 
approach  his  bed.  He  seemed  like  Paul,  who  had  been 
*' caught  up  to  the  third  heavens;"  and  one  observed,  he 
talked  like  one  who  had  been  familiar  with  heavenly 
spirits,  and  had  learned  the  dialect  of  the  upper  world. 

When  a  christian  called,  and  M'Dowall  was  asked  if 
he  wished  prayer  ? 

"  If  he  has  been  baptized  with  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  can 
come  to  the  point." 

Saturday  night,  the  friend  who  was  with  him  on  Wed- 
nesday called,  when  he  said,  "  I  am  glad  you  have  come- 
there  has  been  a  friend  here  to-day,  with  his  leg  tied  to 
the  law.    I  want  Christ  and  his  righteousness.    I  have 


360  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

been  looking  on  my  former  robe,  and  it  is  all  filth.  I  ab- 
hor it ;  but  O  I  the  beautiful  robe  of  Christ's  righteousness, 
pure  and  spotless  he  has  put  it  on  me.  The  cause,  in 
which  I  am  engaged,  I  know  was  of  the  Lord ;  but  I  have 
not  been  holy  enough.  Should  God  raise  me,  I  hope  I 
could  enter  into  the  work  with  renewed  zeal  to  be  more 
holy.  Nothing  can  be  done  without  the  Bible  and  holi- 
ness. Societies  can  do  but  little  without  they  take  the 
Bible :  it  will  be  all  scum.  It  must  be  Christ  and  the 
Bible." 

Sabbath  morning  he  said, 

"  O  !  I  want  my  soul  like  a  seraph."  The  swelling-  in 
his  knee  was  opened  that  day,  the  physician  encouraging 
him  that  he  would  recover  ;  but  his  reply  was, 

"  This  Avill  baffle  the  skill  of  physicians." 

He  remained  calm  through  the  day. 
[    Sabbath  night  he  said  to  his  watcher, 

"  I  have  longed  to  be  baptized  with  the  Holy  Ghost, 
and  I  have  been  baptized." 

A  hymn  was  sung,  when  he  said, 

"  Glory  !   glory  !  all  is  well." 

At  twelve  he  called  for  his  wife.  When  he  saw  her  he 
said, 

'*  I  am  glad  to  see  you.  I  feared  I  should  not  see  you 
ao"ain.  I  am  going:  my  Master  has  sent  for  me ;  my  Mas- 
ter calls  me,"  raising  his  hand,  his  eye  intent  upward, 
•'  Don't  you  hear]" 

"  1  hear  no  noise,"  was  the  answer.  "  How  does  it 
sound?" 

"  Like  the  noise  of  many  waters.    Don't  you  hear  ?" 

"  I  hear  nothing." 

♦•  Don't  you  see  the  angels  waiting  to  take  me  home? 
They  beckon  me  to  come,  and  I  am  going." 

"  How  does  death  appear  to  you  ?" 

•'  O  !   that  is  all  fixed 

"  Are  you  not  afraid? 


REV.    JOHN    R.    M  DOWALL.  3Gl 

*'  Afraid!  No.  Legions  of  angels  have  made  a  path  to 
the  throne  of  God,  and  Jesus  will  go  with  me  !" 

The  doctor  was  called,  and  told  him  he  was  not  dying. 

*'  O  !  you  disappoint  me.  Must  I  come  back  again  to 
this  polluted  city  ?    O  the  abominations  !" 

At  another  time  he  said,  "  1  could  spue  these  abomina- 
tions out  of  luy  mouth." 

He  prayed  for  his  enemies,  and  said  to  his  companion, 

••  Send  for  a  friend,  ,  that  I  may  make  my  will :   I 

must  settle  all  my  business,  that  all  may  be  made  right  be- 
fore the  world.  Will  you  see  that  my  business  is  settled  ? 
I  must  leave  you  with  the  Lord,  and  hope  you  will  not 
be  forgotten.  You  have  stood  by  me  in  days  of  trial, 
and  may  the  Lord  sustain  you.  Tell  my  mother  I  died 
happy  in  the  Lord.  I  want  to  see  dear  brother  Greene; 
he  has  stood  by  me  in  dark  hours,  and  been  a  faithful 
friend.  I  want  to  see  brother  Leavilt,  and  tell  him  to  urge, 
through  his  Evangelist,  upon  the  world  to  read  the  Bible 
more.  Those  dear  brethren  have  been  my  friends  in  all 
my  afflictions  ;   may  the  Lord  reward  them." 

To  his  step-daughter  he  said, 

"  Do  not  be  ensnared  by  the  vanities  of  the  world  ;  vou 
have  been  a  kind  child  to  me,  but  I  cannot  reward  you.'* 

As  some  friends  were  sitting  by  the  bed,  he  looked  upon 
them  and  said, 

"Take  care  of  that  aged  saint  (alluding  to  his  wife;) 
she  has  stood  by  me  in  days  of  trial ;  and  speak  comforting 
words  to  her  when  I  am  gone."* 

A  friend  asked  him, 

"  Do  you  not  think  you  have  fought  with  carnal  wea- 
pons?" (alluding  to  his  trials  in  the  Presbytery.) 

His  answer  was,  "  Show  me  where  I  have  done  wrong, 
and  I  will  confess  it ;  but  my  brethren  have  done  me  great 
injury." 

*  John,  19  :  26,  27. 
31 


SG2  MEKOIR    OF    THE 

"  Could  you  get  down  and  wash  the  feet  of  your  ene- 
mies with  tears?" 

"  If  the  Lord  require  it,  I  could." 

Through  his  sickness  he  seemed  to  have  lost  all  con- 
cern about  his  trials,  never  alluding  to  them  unless  the 
subject  were  mentioned,  then  he  manifested  the  kindest 
feelings  of  forgiveness  to  his  enemies;  and  in  the  last  of 
his  sickness  enjoined  his  friends  to  pray  for  his  enemies 
to  the  ends  of  the  earth. 

Monday  night,  he  was,  at  intervals,  in  spasms,  and  in- 
sane; but  when  composed,  he  repeated  his  horror  at  the 
corruptions  of  the  city,  and  said, 

"  O,  its  pollutions  ascend  up  like  smoke."' 
He  prayed  mo?^t  earnestly  for  his  enemies,  crying, 
"  Help,  Lord,  u-ho  shall  come  to  help?     Christ  shall 
come  to  deliver ;  he  shall  rule  from  the  rivers  to  the  ends 
of  the  earth." 

Singing  would  ofren  compose  him  when  his  spasms 
were  upon  him,  and  sometimes  he  would  sing  himself 
Ke  spake  no  more  after  Tuesday  morning,  but  was  calm 
till  a  quarter  past  3  o'clock,  when  he  fell  asleep  in  Jesus, 
A  friend  who  heard  that  M'Dowall  was  dying,  has- 
tened to  the  house,  and  all  was  still.  The  spirit  had  fled. 
She  looked  around  the  room — the  undertaker  was  there, 
and  a  solitary  youth  sat  by  his  side. 

The  few  u-omen  vrbo  had  stood  by,  had  retired  with  the 
stricken  widow  and  daughter  to  a  secret  chamber,  to  weep 
together.  No  ministering  brother  was  near;  but  minis- 
tering angels  had  been  there,  and  as  they  triumphantly 
bore  away  the  emancipated  spirit,  they  waved  their  golden 
wings  and  brushed  every  vestige  of  care  and  sorrow  from 
the  brou'  of  M'Dowall.  The  impress  of  death  was  not 
there,  but  the  bloom  of  immortal  youth  and  vigor  sat 
smiling  on  his  face.  As  the  new-come  infant  who  looks 
out  upon  this  dreary  world,  and  weeping  closes  its  tear- 
ful eye  for  ever,  so  looked  the  cheek  and  brow  of  M'Dowall. 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  363 

She  stood  as  if  waiting  when  the  broad  portals  of  heaven 
should  be  opened  to  hear  the  echo  of  the  new  anthem, 
when  the  "  crown  of  the  martyr"  should  be  placed  on  his 
head.  It  is  done — he  is  safe — he  is  out  of  the  paws  of  the 
"lion  and  the  bear" — the  battlements  of  the  New  Jeru- 
salem are  too  high  for  the  enemy  to  scale. 

She  found  the  room  where  the  wotxjen  had  gathered, 
and  inquired  who  were  here  when  he  died? — who  stood 
round  the  cross?  "  A  few  women  stood  by  to  wet  his  lips 
and  wipe  the  sweat  from  his  face,"  answered  the  bereaved 
widow.  Yes ;  woman  was  there,  and  she  had  before 
anointed  him  for  his  burial,  and  now  was  devising  where 
he  should  be  laid. 

He  was  asked  where  be  would  wish  to  be  buried ;  his 
answer  was,  that  is  of  no  consequence, 

"  Put  me  in  the  sea,  and  let  the  fishes  eat  me  up.  I 
have  given  my  soul  to  God,  and  you  may  do  what  you 
please  with  my  body." 

The  women  of  the  Moral  Reform  Society,  together  with 
Mr.  Cragin  the  Agent,  had  told  Mrs.  M'Dowall  a  place 
should  be  provided  to  put  him,  butwAcre  was  the  question. 
His  brethren  in  the  Presbyterian  church  had  not  found  it 
in  their  hearts  to  ofier  him  a  burial,  for  ie\Y  had  heard 
that  he  needed  one,  and  none  had  inquired.  A  methodist 
brother  kindly  offered  them  a  place  to  put  him,  without 
any  charges.  The  next  day,  Daniel  Fanshaw,  of  the 
Dutch  Reformed  church,  in  the  city  of  New- York,  went 
and  "begged  his  body "  to  lay  in  his  own  sepulchre. 
**  This  man  had  not  consented  to  the  counsel  and  deed 
of^/iem." 

His  remains  were  carried  to  the  Tabernacle,  followed 
by  the  faithful  women  and  some  few  men  who  had  been 
his  friends  in  life.  Many  of  the  colored  people  had  as- 
sembled at  an  early  hour,  for  they  loved  the  man  who  had 
so  often  spoke  comforting  words  to  them.  They  were 
seen  in  groups  rehearsing  to  each  oilier  his  acts  of  kind- 


364  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

ness  to  them,  and  one  in  tears  exclaimed,  "  Only  thinl<  ;  nc?- 
ihing  but  bread  and  water  was  a  great  part  of  his  living, 
when  he  had  done  so  much  for  the  poor,  and  done  "50 
much  for  usj^ 

Let  this  be  told  as  a  memorial  of  M Dowall  for  ever. 

A  sermon  was  preached  by  Mr.  Leavitt,  from  the  se- 
venth chapter  of  Acts,  fifty-filth  verse,  "But  he  being  full 
of  the  Holy  Ghost,  looked  up  steadfastly  into  heaven,  and 
saw  the  glory  of  God,  and  Jesus  standing  on  the  right 
hand  of  God." 

The  sermon  is  now  before  the  public,  and  needs  no  com- 
mendation. The  glorious  manifestations  of  the  upper  Avorld 
which  were  made  to  M' Dowall  when  about  to  depart,  are 
there  portrayed,  not  as  the  illusions  of  a  disordered  imagi- 
nation, but  as  manifestations  of  God's  special  fiivor,  which 
he  has  been  wont  to  make  to  his  children  in  all  ages  of  the 
world.  Stephen  was  thus  ftivored,  and  why  should  it  be 
thought  incredible  that  M' Dowall  should  be?  Had  his 
life  been  one  even  thread  of  loving  and  trusting;  had  he 
been  known  to  the  world  only  as  a  good  and  quiet  Chris- 
tian, he  might  have  passed  silently  away  into  the  shadow 
of  death,  and  emerged  thence  into  glory,  leaving  no  other 
memorial  than  "  He  fell  asleep."  But  the  life  of  M'Dowall 
was  a  life  of  warfare ;  he  was  a  son  of  thunder  to  all  the 
ungodly  wherever  he  went;  he  had  drawn  on  himself 
every  opprobrious  epithet,  not  only  from  the  profane,  bu-t 
from  many  of  the  professed  disciples  of  Christ,  and  been 
denounced  an  impostor,  and  a  disgrace  to  the  ministry;  he 
died  on  the  "battlefield,"  when  the  contending  powers 
had  not  yet  ceased  their  hostility,  and  he  died  a  victor,  and 
it  was  like  a  God  to  reveal  to  M'Dowall  the  glories  that 
awaited  him,  and  while  yet  in  the  flesh  to  show  to  his  en- 
raptured vision  the  convoy  of  angels  which  should  con- 
duct him  home,  that  every  mouth  might  be  stopped,  and 
none  have  occasion  to  inquire,  "  Do  you  think  M'Dowall 
was  a  Christian  ?" 


REV.    JOHN    R.     m'dOWALL.  365 

Last  Hours  of  the  Rev.  J.  R.  M'Dowdll.^ 

This  champion  of  moral  reform  died  on  Tuesday,  the 
13th  inst.  nfteran  illness  of  twelve  days.  As  it  may  be  gra- 
tifying to  his  many  friends  to  know  the  circumstances  of . 
the  last  illness  and  death  of  this  lamented  good  man,  we 
will  endeavor  to  give  a  concise  account  of  the  same. 

When  about  sixteen  years  of  age,  Mr,  M' Do  wall  had  an 
affection  of  the  right  knee,  which  well  nigh  cost  him  his 
life.  It  was  a  carious  ulcer,  involving  the  ends  of  the 
bones  forming  the  cavity  of  the  joint.  After  great  suffev- 
ing  for  more  than  eighteen  months,  it  was  finally  healed  ; 
and  although  the  flexibility  of  the  knee  was  in  a  great 
measure  restored,  it  was  always  quite  weak,  so  that  he  gene- 
rally used  |i  cane  when  walking,  and  was  at  times  laid  by, 
from  the  irritating  effects  of  much  exercise  upon  the  knee. 
A  short  time  previous  to  his  illness,  he  walked  an  unusual 
distance  without  his  cane,  and  wearied  his  knee.  Soon 
after  this,  inflammation  supervened,  attended  with  great  pain 
and  much  swelling  in  the  joint.  The  swelling  extended 
from  the  upper  part  of  the  thigh  to  the  extremity  of  the 
foot.  Connected  with  this  was  a  regular  febrile  excite- 
ment, and  great  prostration  of  the  strength  and  powers  of 
the  system,  attended  with  wakefulness,  great  anxiety  of 
mind,  and  nervous  irritability.  His  fever  assumed  the  ty- 
phoid type,  and  on  Thursday,  the  lOlh  day  from  his  attack, 
that  part  of  the  swelling  of  his  leg  near  the  knee-joint 
fluctuated,  and  the  matter  appeared  very  near  the  eurface. 
It  was  thought  proper  to  give  exit  to  the  same.  A  much 
more  copious  discharge  of  matter  followed  the  opening 
than  was  previously  expe.cted  ;  extensive  accumulation  of 
matter  had  been  formed  above  and  below  the  knee  to  a  con- 
siderable extent,  rendering  it  manifest  that  great  prostra- 
tion of  the  powers  of  the  system  had  existed  previous  to 
the  attack  of  this  disease,  and  that  his  system  was  in  a  fit 

*  This  testimony  is  from  Dr.  Brown,  his  attending  physician. 
31* 


366  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

condition  for  diseased  action  to  take  devastating  hold  of 
the  body,  which  now  rapidly  gave  wa\%  and  he  died  within 
two  days  after,  with  all  the  symptoms  of  an  exceedingly 
corrupted  condition  of  the  fluids. 

The  great  trials  of  feeling,  the  anguished  state  of  his 
mind,  owing  to  sore,  and  as  he  thought,  cruel  persecutions, 
which  he  had  been  called  upon  to  encounter  from  those 
who  ought  to  have  been  his  friends  and  coadjutors  in  the 
great  moral  enterprise  in  which  he  had  been  ennfaged,  can 
be  satisfactorily  looked  to  as  the  cause  of  this  weakened 
and  broken  state  of  the  constitution,  which  was  thus  mani- 
festly so  inadequate  to  bear  up  under  the  attack  of  disease. 

Whatever  contrary  opinion  may  have  been  excited  in 
the  breast  of  any  one,  from  fortuitous  circumstances,  Mr. 
M' Do  wall  was,  beyond  all  question,  a  most  conscientious 
and  honest  man.  He  was  moreover  a  faithful  servant  of 
his  Master.  We  have  known  him  from  the  time  he  first 
came  to  New- York,  then  a  student  of  divinity  at  Princeton. 
He  came  on  an  errand  of  love  during  the  vacation,  and 
his  first  object  was  to  labor  among  the  poor,  particularly 
in  bringing  their  children  under  the  influence  of  Sabbath- 
school  instruction.  While  engaged  in  this  way  in  the 
neighborhood  of  the  Five  Points,  where  he  was  instru- 
mental in  establishing  a  Sunday-school,  he  was  brought 
under  the  painful  observation  of  some  of  the  hideous  de- 
velopements  of  the  sin  of  impurity.  As  he  was  led  into 
some  of  the  houses  of  prostitution  in  this  famed  part  of 
our  modern  Sodom,  and  ledrned  more  of  the  extent  and 
wide-spread  ruin,  to  soul  and  body,  of  this  great  evil  in  our 
city,  his  soul  seemed  to  sink  under  the  sickening  specta- 
cle, of  which  he  had  previously  no  opportunity  to  form 
any  adequate  idea;  and  he  soon  decided  in  his  own  mind, 
that  this  opened  a  field  which  should,  under  God,  be  the 
one  for  his  future  labors.  He  was  elected  chaplain  to  the 
late  Magdalen  Society,  and  labored  for  one  year,  in  con- 
junction with  others,  in  endeavoring  to  rescue  unfortunate 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  367 

females  from  their  dens  of  iniquity,  and  restore  them  to 
virtuous  habits  and  happiness.  After  a  fair  trial  he  was 
satisfied  that  very  little  good  could  be  done  in  this  way 
alone, as  little  success  crowned  their  efforts ;  it  was  but  sev- 
ering here  and  there  a  twig,  while  the  root  of  this  deadly 
Upas  of  immoral  influence  was  taking  deeper  and  firmer 
hold  of  our  community,  and  extending  its  branches  of  fa- 
tal poison  through  all  classes  of  society.  The  only  hope 
he  had  was  in  prevention.  The  public  mind  must  be  en- 
lightened— the  christian  public  must  be  awakened  to  a 
sense  of  the  extent  and  nature  of  this  (in  a  great  degree) 
hidden  prostrating  influence,  sitting,  as  it  were,  like  the 
night-mare,  upon  all  the  avenues  of  virtue,  of  purity,  and 
good  morals — an  evil  more  fraught  with  wide-spread 
desolation  than  perhaps  all  other  prominent  evils  in  our 
land.  Under  this  impression,  through  the  countenance 
and  aid  of  his  friends,  he  established  his  Journal;  and 
from  the  management  of  this  he  has  suffered  more  and 
bitterer  perstcuiion  than,  perhaps,  any  saint  on  the  earth, 
for  the  same  time  ;  not  only  from  the  enemies  of  religion, 
and  of  course  to  moral  reform,  but  from  those  in  the 
church,  who  ought  to  have  been  his  abettors  and  coadju- 
tors in  this  great  and  important  part  of  christian  warfare. 
His  persecutions  from  the  wicked  out  of  the  church  gave 
him  very  little  trouble;  but  his  recent  trial  by  his  Pres- 
bytery, and  suspension  from  the  ministry,  was  a  source  of 
great  and  indescribable  anguish  of  mind;  he  looked  upon 
it  as  not  only  cruel  to  his  feelings,  but  in  a  high  degree 
unjust,  and  of  course  unrighteous.  It  prostrated  his  spirits 
— and  while  he  lay  under  the  foul,  though  undeserved 
stigma,  he  felt  that  his  influence  was  gone,  and  he  could 
do  nothing  to  promote  the  cause  which  he  had  so  ardently 
espoused ;  and  in  this  state  of  mind  so  long  continued,  his 
body,  in  accordance  with  the  laws  of  our  nature,  continu- 
ally received  an  impression  unfavorable  to  health — the 
nervous  system  became  more  and  more  weakened — the 


368  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

liver  torpid,  the  blood  and  circulating  fluids  corrupted,  and 
the  whole  mortal  fabric  became  susceptible  of  the  ravages 
of  disease  whenever  exciting  causes  brought  it  into  action ; 
and  when  it  came,  the  body  at  once  became  prostrate,  and 
rapidly  sunk   under  its  assailing  influence. 

M'Dowall  is  gone  from  this  world  to  his  home*  But 
he  yet  lives  in  the  cherished  remembrance  of  those 
friends  of  moral  reform  who  knew  enough  of  him  to  be 
able  duly  to  appreciate  his  worth.  Though  dead,  he  still 
speaks,  will  continue  to  speak,  and  be  heard,  until  the  sin 
of  impurity  shall  be  wiped  from  our  city — from  our  land — 
and  from  the  face  of  the  earth.  B. 

HIS  CHARACTER. 

It  seems  almost  superfluous  to  say  any  thing  to  throw 
light  on  a  picture  like  this.  His  character  has  been  drawn 
again  and  again  in  the  preceding  pages.  Every  day  of 
his  private  life,  from  his  first  consecration  to  his  Master, 
his  early  vows,  and  conscientious  adherence  to  those  vows; 
his  ardent  breathings  after  more  holiness,  and  the  deep  an- 
guish of  his  soul  when  he  felt  he  had  wandered  from  his 
God,  plainly  demonstrated  that  the  law  of  love  was  written 
upon  his  heart  as  with  the  point  of  a  diamond.  His  public 
life,  filled  as  it  was  at  every  step  with  sorrow  and  toil, 
drew  out  every  latent  propensity  of  the  heart,  and  gather- 
ed into  one  prominent  focus  the  whole  man.  Yet  there 
are  touches  in  his  character  which,  when  more  minutely 
presented,  may  be  both  interesting  and  profitable. 

*  As  the  close  of  life  was  drawing  near,  his  min:l  appeared  clear 
and  tranquil.  The  day  previous  to  his  dealh,  as  I  was  standing  bjr 
his  bedside,  he  looked  me  in  the  face,  and  with  a  countenance  pecu- 
liarly expressive,  lhoun:h  hardly  able  to  speak,  said,  "  0,  how  I  de- 
test the  wickedness  of  this  city."  (Having  reference  to  the  subject 
of  licentiousness.)  He  attempted  further  to  speak,  '*  I  could— I 
could'' — and  here  he  appeared  utterly  at  a  loss  for  language  at  all 
adequate  to  express  those  feelings  which  hi3  countenance  clearly 
portrayed. 


REV.  JOHN  R.  m'dowall.  369 

1st.  He  was  a  man  of  unyielding  firmness.  He  would 
not  be  diverted  from  accomplishing  an  object,  if  that  ob- 
ject was  attainable,  and  a  righteous  one.  Place  before 
him  crosses,  threats,  poverty,  and  disgrace,  he  heeded 
them  not.  "  My  record  is  on  high."  "  1  must  work  the 
work  of  Him  that  sent  me,"  was  often  his  reply  to  worldly- 
prudent  friends.  He  was  daring  and  bold,  almost  to  pre- 
sumption. Often  at  the  midnight  hour  has  he  rushed 
amidst  a  band  of  lawless  thieves  and  desperadoes  armed 
with  knives  and  dirks,  contending  about  boot3^  and  quell- 
ed their  riots  and  quietly  dispersed  them,  when  even  a 
company  of  watchmen  would  have  hesitated. 

He  was  tender  and  compassionate  in  the  highest  degree. 
Justice  and  mercy  were  the  two  extremes  which  formed 
an  equilibrium  in  his  character. 

When  the  incorrigible  sinner  dared  to  contemn  the 
Almighty,  he  dealt  out  the  terrors  of  the  law  without  weight 
or  measure  ;  he  held  him  trembling  over  the  yawning  pit, 
and  poured  out  the  thunders  of  Sinai,  like  burning  lava, 
upon  his  guilty  head.  "  Ye  are  of  your  father  the  devil, 
and  the  lusts  of  your  father  ye  will  do,"  was  applied  to 
the  culprit,  till  he  often  made  him  feel  he  stood  single- 
handed  and  alone  in  an  awfully  unequal  contest  with  his 
Maker.  But  when  he  saw  the  tear  of  contrition,  his  heart 
dissolved  like  wax.  His  severity  was  lost  in  the  sweet 
meltings  of  mercy,  while  he  kindly  led  the  trembling  sup- 
pliant to  the  Lamb  of  God,  saying,  "  Come,  for  all  things 
are  now  ready." 

Many  of  his  friends  had  thought  him  too  credulous. 
This  probably  was  so,  when  he  first  entered  on  his  untried 
labors  in  the  city ;  but  when  he  became  more  accustomed 
to  the  "  moveable  ways  "  of  the  *'  strange  woman,"  he  em- 
phatically knew  when  to  wound,  and  when  to  heal. 

A  kind  philanthropist  had  brought,  as  he  supposed,  a 
broken-hearted  penitent  to  his  house  for  reform.    He  look- 


370  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

ed  upon  her  with  an  earnest  pause,  and  turned  to  the  man 
and  sternly  said, 

"Begone,  she  will  seduce  you  ;  she  is  a  devil." 

This  truth  she  verified  a  few  days  after,  by  leaping  a 
fence  and  returning  to  her  former  habits. 

His  enemies  accused  him  of  being  criminally  suspicious, 
particularly  the  last  years  of  his  life.  But  let  the  bitter- 
ness and  scorn,  the  cold  neglect,  the  cruel  oppression  of 
these  lasi  dark  years,  testify  whether  his  own  familiar 
friend  had  not  "lifted  up  his  heel  against  him;"  and 
whether  he  had  not  a  right  to  say,  "  Trust  not  in  any 
brother."  To  a  friend,  on  whom  he  called  a  few  months 
before  his  death,  who  asked  where  he  lived,  he  said, 

'•  I  have  no  home.  I  am  '  hunted  lik'e  a  partridge  upon 
the  mountains.'  I  think,  sometimes,  my  enemies  would 
like  to  drive  me  from  the  earth." 

He  could  literally  adopt  the  \vords  of  the  Savior  :  "  The 
foxes  have  holes,  and  the  birds  of  the  air  have  nests,  but 
he  had  not  where  to  lay  his  head."  He  had  accompanied 
his  companion  into  the  country  soon  after  the  decision  of 
the  Presbytery  in  the  spring;  had  left  her  there,  and  re- 
turned to  the  city  from  necessity,  but  had  not  money  to 
provide  a  home,  and  felt  like  a  houseless,  dejected  wanderer, 
in  a  cold,  unfeeling  world. 

To  his  friends  whom  he  had  proved,  he  was  ardently 
attached.  The  names  of  Wm.  Greene,  Wm.  Goodell, 
Joshua  Leavitt,  Daniel  Fanshaw,  and  three  or  four  others, 
he  mentions  in  the  tenderest  and  most  affectionate  manner, 
in  his  private  writings. 

"  These,"  he  said,  "  have  stood  by  me  in  my  darkest 
hours.  May  God  reward  them.''^  And  when  the  coldswi^ai 
of  death  was  upon  him,  he  turned  his  imploring  eyes  upon 
his  weeping  companion  and  asked, 

"  Where  is  Wm.  Greene,  that  friend  who  has  never  for- 
saken me?  and  the  dear  Joshua  Leavitt,  can  I  see  him?" 

When  answered  he  was  not  in  the  city, 


REV.    JOHN'    R.    h'cOWALL.  371 

"  Then  I  shall  see  him  no  more." 
With  his  friends  he  counseled,  and  in  them  he  confided. 
His  words  were  few,  when  the  sensibilities  of  his  heart 
were  the  keenest  ;  but  the  glistening  tear  or  the  warm 
grasp  of  the  hand  told  you  the  story. 

He  teas  grateful.  The  smallest  favor  was  never  for- 
gotten. The  reader  has  been  told  that  M' Do  wall,  like  his 
Master,  was  poor — that  he  often  walked  the  streets  of  New- 
York  weary  and  faint;  ^Lud.  faint,  because  he  had  not  a 
penny  to  buy  him  a  piece  of  bread.  And,  as  is  the  nature  of 
true  modesty,  when  he  was  suffering  most,  he  was  the 
most  retiring.  On  one  occasion  he  called  on  a  familiar 
friend,  and  for  the  first  time,  in  the  overflowing  of  his  soul, 
he  said, 

"  I  am  hungry — will  you  give  me  a  piece  of  bread,  and 
a  place  to  lie  down  1 — I  am  weary." 

The  tear  trembled  in  his  eye  as  he  met  a  warm  recep- 
tion; and  the  incoherent  utterance, 

"  How  good  to  have  friends  !"  showed  it  was  the  tear  of 
gratitude. 

A  lady  observed,  who  had  been  in  the  habit  of  gather- 
ing donations  for  missionary  purposes,  and  soliciting  cha- 
rity for  the  poor,  that  she  had  spent  days  in  collecting  for 
this  suffering  man  what  might  be  bought  at  a  grocer's  for 
a  few  shillings  ;  but  when  this  little  was  presented,  it  was 
received  with  feelings  too  full  for  utterance. 

The  Rev.  Daniel  A.  Clarke,  who  was  preaching  at 
Amherst  at  the  time  M' Do  wall  was  a  student  in  that 
Academy,  says  of  him,  "  It  was  painful  to  witness  the  be- 
stowment  of  a  favor  on  him,  he  received  it  with  such  over- 
whelming gratitude." 

He  was  conscievdious.  This  v.-as  a  prominent  trait  in 
his  character.  His  firmness  might,  in  a  good  degree,  bt> 
attributed  to  this  ;  for  what  conscience  said  was  duty,  must 
be  obeyed.  It  led  him  to  be  scrupulous  in  the  smallest 
matters.  Mrs.  Clarke,  the  wife  of  the  Rev.  Daniel  A. 
Clarke,  observes, 


0/2  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

"  While  at  Amherst,  he  was  a  beneficiary,  and  roomed 
one  year  in  her  house.  Often  have  I  entered  his  room  in 
a  cold  day  and  found  him  intent  on  study  over  a  few  coals, 
and  said  to  him,  Mr.  M'Dowall,  you  suffer;  do  make 
yourself  a  better  fire." 

His  answer  was,  "  I  can  use  myself  to  it." 

The  wood  was  provided  for  students  gratuitously ;  and 
■while  others,  with  little  or  no  scruples  of  conscience,  were 
enjoying-  the  unlimited  luxury  of  a  good  fire,  lie  must  be 
a  faithful  steward  with  his  Lord's  money.  He  likewise 
instructed  her  two  sons,  and  his  faithfulness  as  a  teacher 
far  excelled  what  she  had  ever  known.  Her  sons  remem- 
ber him  with  the  warmest  affection. 

His  receipts  testify  what  would  make  the  donors  blush, 
should  their  names  be  published,  and  his  expenditures  show 
that  he  felt  himself  a  steward,  bound  to  be  faithful  in  that 
which  is  least.  The  whole  world  may  safely  be  chal- 
lenged to  produce  an  instance  when  M'Dowall  spent  07ie 
dollar  for  the  "  lust  of  the  eye  or  the  pride  of  life."  And 
this  he  might  have  done  for  a  season  in  New- York,  when 
the  public  were  sending  from  various  parts  of  the  Union 
their  donations,  saying,  "  use  this  for  yourself,  &c." 

He  had  the  strictest  regard  to  truth ;  he  allowed  no 
prevarication,  no  intrigue  in  himself,  and  he  abhorred  it  in 
others.  When  his  friends,  during  his  long,  fiery  trial,  were 
collecting  facts  and  producing  evidence  in  his  favor,  he 
often  cautioned  them  to  state  facts  just  as  they  are  ;  "  Truth, 
naked  truth,  is  all  I  want." 

He  was  benevolent.  Can  this  be  doubted,  or  need  it  be 
said  ?  Let  the  suflering  outcast  tell  the  story.  When  but 
one  dollar  was  at  his  command,  that  dollar  was  cheerfully 
given  at  the  cry  of  distress.  And  was  not  this  benevolence 
disinterested  1*    Had  he  the  praise  of  men  in  view  ?    Why 

*At  the  time  an  agent  was  wanted  for  the  Sevenlh  Commandment 
Sociely.  M'Dowall  was  selected  as  a  proper  one,  and  a  salary  was 
proposed  of  six  hundred  dollars.     This  he  refused,  declaring  lie  could 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'doWALL.  373 

tliien  did  he  not  desert,  when  not  only  the  ungodly,  but 
brethren  of  the  ministry  frankly  told  him  he  was  a  dis- 
grace to  their  holy  calling,  and  finally  forbade  his  speaking 
in  the  name  of  his  Master  anymore?  What  did  he  do? 
did  he  sit  down  in  sullen  silence,  reproaching  his  brethren, 
and  finding  fault  with  his  Maker,  that  he  had  left  him  in 
the  hands  of  men  ?  No  ;  The  day  on  which  the  Presbytery 
issued  their  edict  that  M'Dowall  shall  fall,  he  was  at  home, 
oppressed  with  grief,  and  sinking  for  want  of  rest.  He 
had  lain  down  and  fallen  asleep;  his  faithful  companion, 
anticipating  the  result  of  that  day's  sitting,  was  preparing 
her  frugal  meal,  and  when  the  reporter  came  in,  she  in- 
quired the  result.   "Excommunication!"  being  the  answer, 

"  Let  us,"  said  she,  "  be  as  cheerful  as  possible  when  he 
comes  to  his  supper;  his  sleep  has  departed,  and  his  food 
has  been  tasteless  for  many  days." 

He  came,  and  being  told  of  his  fate,  dropped  upon  his 
knees,  and  in  the  brokenness  of  his  heart  he  prayed  for  his 
brethren,  begging  fervently  for  those  who  had  "despitefully 
used  him,"  and  entreating  his  heavenly  Father  not  to  suf- 
fer him  to  be  idle  in  his  vineyard,  but  lay  out  some  humble 
work  for  him,  beneath  the  arrows  of  his  persecutors. 

That  night  to  M'Dowall  was  a  night  of  prayer.  On 
the  morrow,  early,  he  prepared  himself,  and  said, 

"  r  will  do  what  I  can  for  my  Master.  I  will  take  my 
Bible  and  go  down  to  the  docks  and  ships,  and  read  the 
story  of  Calvary  to  seamen  and  fishermen.  This  my 
brethren  cannot  forbid.  1  will  go  from  place  to  place,  en- 
treating men,  women,  and  children  to  read  the  Bible." 

subsist  on  one  hundred  and  fifiy.  The  Society  would  not  employ  him 
on  such  lerms,  and  ihe  most  he  would  consent  to  receive  was  three 
hundred,  ?aying  it  would  not  be  right  to  receive  any  more ;  it  would  be 
taking  it  from  ihe  cause. 

Let  those  who  are  engaged  in  Moral  Reform,  and  praying  that  the 
mantle  of  M'Dowall  may  fall  on  them,  see  if  they  possess  tlie  same 
disinterested  spirit,  and  are  willing  to  make  the  same  sacrifices. 
32 


374  BIEMOIR    OF    THS 

And  this  he  did  do,  till  he  was  carried  b}'-  angels  to  Abra- 
ham's bosom.  Was  not  this  disinterestedness?  Did  bt? 
enter  the  noisome  dens  of  impurity,  by  night  and  by  day^ 
and  entreat,  rebuke,  with  much  long-suffering,  those  whose 
filthy  conversation  and  pestilential  breath  contaminate  the 
air  around  them,  that  he  might  gain  an  imperishable 
name?  Why,  then,  when  his  name  became  a  hissing  and  a 
by  word,  and  he  was  counted  as  one  of  the  licentious  of  ther 
baser  sort,  did  he  not  shelter  himself  among  his  more  dig- 
nified brethren,  and  preach  that  less  offensive  part  of  the 
Gospel  that  entailed  no  reproach? 

He  was  industrious.  He  truly  gained  his  bread  by  the 
sweat  of  his  brow.  Could  the  streets  of  New- York  cry  out, 
they  would  testify  that  his  diligent  feet  have  nightly  trod 
their  pavements,  v/hile  the  multitudes  that  were  at  ease  m 
Zion  were  buried  in  sleep.  His  voluminous  papers,  too, 
bear  ample  testimony  that  he  made  "diligent  search  ;"  the 
midnight  prowler,  the  thief,  and  the  gambler,  well  knew  the 
footstep  and  the  voice  of  M'  Dowall,  and  fied  at  his  approach^ 
or  entreated  him  not  to  ''  torment  them  before  the  time." 

His  perseverance  never  relaxed  till  the  last  words  ^\e^ 
upon  his  lips.  He  occupied  till  his  Master  summoned 
him  away,  enjoining  all  about  him  to  do  the  same. 

His  temperament  was  sangitine.  He  says  in  his  pri- 
vate journal,  "  In  debate  I  am  w^arm  and  fervent;  some 
would  suppose  me  angry,  while  I  have  no  consciousness  of 
being  so  ;  but  on  the  contrary,  feeling  an  intense  desire  to 
elicit  and  teach  the  truth  according  to  the  Scriptures,  and  of 
impressing  on  others  the  same  sense  of  obligation  1  feel* 
and  of  awakening  in  their  minds  the  same  desire  to  teach 
the  doctrines  of  the  Bible  in  the  words  the  Holy  Ghost 
teacheth."*  This  temperament  was  often  misconstrued  by 
his  enemies,  and  called  a  ''  bad  spirit."  But  the  best  of  his 
enemies  might  do  well  to  ask,  how  much  better  spirit  they 

*  This  he  copied  from  Oberlin,  claiming^,  as  he  said  it,  to  be  precise- 
ly himself. 


REV.    JOHN    R,    M  DOWALL.  375 

would  have  manifested  in  like  circumstances.  Kad  they 
been  more  patient,  the  cause  might  have  been  attributed 
(more  lo  lack  of  energy  and  love  of  truth,  than  christian 
meekness  of  spirit. 

He  says  of  himself,  "  I  am  deeply  affected  by  the  least 
kindness,  and  he  who  treats  me  generously,  soon  gains  the 
ascendency  over  me;  but  opposition  creates  in  me  an  as- 
tonishing degree  of  firmness,  especially  in  matters  of  con- 
science."* 

Here  some  of  his  best  friends  misunderstood  him  ;  his  ex- 
treme sensitiveness  in  matters  of  conscience  was  at  times 
attributed  to  a  desire  to  be  thought  well  of  men.  That  he 
did  not  prefer  the  good  will  of  men  to  their  hatred  is  not 
supposed,  and  that  he  did  not  warmly  cling  to  the  being 
who  spake  kind  words  to  him  cannot  be  denied.  But  it 
may  with  safety  be  alleged,  that  his  sensitiveness  was  more 
deeply  wounded  when  truth  was  assailed,  than  when  his 
character  was  in  danger.     His  companion  observed  to  him, 

"  I  think  of  procuring  a  sensitive  plant  and  setting  it  in 
the  room,  that  you  may  see  yourself;  you  are  so  extremely 
affected  when  abused,  lest  you  have  given  some  occasion." 
Yet,  she  added,  when  he  felt  that  God  approved,  the  re- 
proaches of  men  gave  him  but  little  trouble. 

But  he  must  have  been  more  than  human,  when  he  knew 
that  from  motives  of  benevolence  he  had  suffered  the  want 
of  all  things,  if  he  did  not  sometimes  wish  the  approbation 
of  men  as  well  as  that  of  God  ;  if  his  heart  did  not  sink 
within  him  when  opprobrium  and  scorn  were  the  reward 
of  his  faithful,  his  unremitting  labor;  and  if,  too,  the  stir- 
rings of  indignation  did  not  sometimes  be  manifest,  when 
he  heard  the  revilings  of  those  who  were  sitting  at  ease, 
and  would  not  so  much  as  '*  touch  his  burdens  with  one  of 
their  fingers." 

He  loas  chaste.  Mark  the  vov^r  he  made  when  but  a 
youth«  This  chastity  had  its  seat  in  the  heart,  and  this 
•  Oberlin. 


376  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

inherent  purity  made  him  so  abhor  the  filthy  pollutions 
of  the  city,  that  with  a  holy  disgust  he  rushed  into  the 
temples  of  those  who  were  making  merchandise  of  purity, 
and  with  a  scourge  of  no  very  small  cords  he  drove  many 
of  them  out. 

His  Journal  was  accused  of  too  much  plainness  of 
speech — of  obscenity  of  language — which  rendered  it  un- 
safe to  be  read  by  the  young.  These  assertions  sit  to- 
lerably on  the  lips  of  those  who  are  ignorant  entirely  of 
what  he  saw  and  heard.  But  had  any  one  accompanied 
him  to  these  more  than  horrid  dens,  and  heard  the  belch- 
ings  of  their  polluted  hearts  in  language  which  might 
almost  compel  demons  to  blush,  he  must  rather  have 
admired  the  purity  of  style  he  flung  around  his  recitals, 
which  fell  so  far  short  of  the  reality. 

One  fact  may  serve  as  an  illustration.  In  the  years 
1834-5,  a  few  friends  met  at  the  house  of  Mr.  M' Do  wall 
on  a  Sabbath  morning,  read  the  Scriptures,  and  prayed, 
and  then  went  out  in  companies  to  visit  the  wretched 
abodes  of  pollution. 

It  was  thought  advisable  that  females  should  go  to  con- 
verse wMlh  their  own  sex.  Mr.  M' Do  wall  one  morning 
accompanied  two  ladies  and  a  gentleman.  A  house  of  the 
most  degraded  kind  was  entered;  and,  for  the  first  time 
when  ladies  were  present,  had  the  conversation  been  un- 
seemly. It  at  length  became  so  obscene  that  the  ladies 
were  about  retiring,  when,  turning  to  Mr.  M'Dowall,  he 
had  sunk  back  upon  his  chair,  and  apparently  was  faint- 
ing. He  was  raised  from  his  seat,  and  persuaded  to  go 
home.  When  he  reached  his  dwelling,  his  companion 
asked  if  he  were  sick  1    He  answered, 

*'  It  is  enough.  I  cannot  accompany  ladies  any  more  to 
houses  of  infamy.  I  have  for  years  heard  the  filthy  con- 
versation of  the  wicked  and  been  sustained,  but  to  hear  it 
in  the  presence  of  virtuous  females  is  more  than  I  can 
endure." 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  377 

He  never  again  accompanied  them. 

It  may  be  questioned  whether  many  of  those  whose 
delicacy  had  been  so  shocked  at  his  Journal,  would  have 
manifested  more  genuine  purity  oi^  heart  on  such  an  occa- 
sion than  did  M'Dowall. 

He  was  retiring. — His  most  intimate  friends  alone  could 
know  him.  His  dependent  state  constantly  kept  him  more 
so.  He  could  never  be  filling  the  ears  of  those  around 
him  with  his  sufferings  and  wants,  and  it  often  became 
necessary  to  apply  to  his  companion  to  ascertain  their 
■condition  when  they  were  in  real  need.  "  God  feeds  me," 
would  often  be  his  answer,  when  he  had  scarcely  enough 
to  sustain  life. 

His  manners  were  affable,  his  conversation  easy,  where 
he  felt  himself  at  liberty  to  unbend  his  mrnd. 

When  it  is  considered  how  insensibly  we  imbibe  the 
habits  and  manners  of  those  with  whom  we  associate,  it  is 
much  to  be  admired  that  he  could  retain  any  thing  like 
suavity  of  manners,  coming  in  contact,  as  he  continually 
did,  with  those  whose  evil  communications  were  corrupt- 
ing in  the  extreme. 

He  wrote  much,  but  his  pen  must  be  constantly  dipped 
in  the  muddy  abominations  of  all  that  is  loathing,  and  his 
paper  blotted  v/ith  blackened  details  of  charnel-houses  of 
the  dead.  He  had  no  time  for  rhetorical  flourishes — for 
sketches  of  meandering  rivers,  purling  brooks,  and 
moon-light  simperings — though  his  early  writings  show 
that  he  was  not  destitute  of  taste  for  the  beautiful  as  well 
as  sublime. 

He  had  no  time  to  sit  down  in  the  mirrored  parlors  of 
his  more  favored  brethren  to  improve  his  conversational 
powers,  nor  no  parishioners  to  bring  in  their  yearly  pre- 
sents, to  enable  him  to  call  together  his  rich  neighbors  and 
spread  them  a  well-ordered  feast.  He  had  no  servants  to 
come  at  his  ringing — few  or  no  changes  of  apparel — and 
with  all  these  formidable  obstacles  in  the  fashionable  city 

32* 


378  MEMOIR   OF    THE 

of  New- York,  how  could  he  retain  even  a  mediocrity  of 
polish  ? 

Had  he  not  possessed  more  than  ordinary  principles  of 
reJSnement,  the  varnish  would  long  since  have  been  worn 
away,  and  he  would  have  been  all  his  enemies  could  have 
wished. 

His  relish  for  the  fine  arts  may  be  given  in  his  own 
words: — "  I  am  a  very  great  admirer  of  painting,  music, 
and  poetry,  and  yet  I  have  no  skill  in  either  of  them." 
He  adds,  "  Mechanics  and  natural  history  constitute  my 
favorite  studies.  I  am  very  fond  of  regularity,  and  of  ar- 
ranging and  classifying,  but  my  weak  memory,  added  to 
constant  employment,  renders  it  difficult  to  me." 

The  disordered  state  in  which  his  books  were  found  at 
the  time  his  most  serious  difficulties  commenced,  drew  on 
him  the  imputation  of  carelessness  and  lack  of  system  in 
business  ;  and  he  ever  averred  he  was  no  book-keeper,  yet 
he  was  always  careful,  in  his  own  way,  to  put  every  thing 
there,  so  that  nothing  need  be  lost.  The  state  of  his  office  at 
his  death  showed  that  he  was  not  a  stranger  to  system.  It 
might  well  be  said  that  papers  and  books,  as  well  as  him.- 
self,  were  "  packed  and  sealed,"  ready  to  step  aboard  ;  and 
had  he  known  the  hour  the  ship  would  have  sailed,  he 
could  not  have  arranged  his  affairs  to  better  purpose. 

He  had  gathered  every  fragment,  and  placed  all  to- 
gether; and  some  of  his  last  earnest  injunctions  were— 
"  See  that  my  business  is  all  arranged,  that  every  man  may 
have  his  due." 

His  scholarship,  probably,  has  never  been  fairly  tested. 
His  ill  health  in  college  kept  him  below  what  he  would 
have  been,  which  he  often  regrets  in  his  journaL  When 
he  first  entered  his  academical  course,  his  appearance  was 
not  at  all  prepossessing,  and  his  companions  in  study 
feared  little  from  a  rival  like  him  ;  but  his  teacher  observed 
he  soon  was  in  advance  of  most  of  them.  Since  leaving 
his  collegiate  course,  his  energies  have  all  been  directed 


REV.  JOHN   R.  m'dowall.  379 

10  one  point,  and  in  that  poitit  let  him  who  says  M'Dowall 
did  not  excel,  make  the  effort. 

When  a  few  years  shall  have  passed  away,  when  men 
shall  begin  to  walk  with  God,  and  dare  to  name  things 
as  he  has  named  them — then  shall  the  Journal  of  M' Dow- 
all  grace  the  library  of  the  learned  divine,  as  a  memento 
not  only  of  the  zeal,  but  the  talent  of  him  who  has,  in  this 
refined  age,  been  denounced  as  unworthy  a  place  among 
the  reformers  of  the  present  day. 

And  what  judge  of  taknt  can  read  some  of  his  appeal3 
to  the  public  in  his  Journal,  and  not  be  struck  with  the 
masterly  strength  there  put  forth?  Who  can  read  some 
of  the  pathetic  incidents  in  his  Magdalen  Facts,  so  vividl}'- 
and  yet  so  simply  narrated,  and  say  there  were  no  touches 
of  tenderness  or  beauty  in  his  composition? 

One  peculiar  beauty  in  his  style,  which  every  critic 
must  discover,  is,  that  in  his  most  affecting  incidents  he 
leads  the  reader  along  without  any  apparent  design — he 
enters  upon  the  fact  without  telling  him  he  is  intending  to 
make  him  weep,  and  he  must  prepare  for  it,  but  simply 
relates  the  story,  and  though  often  followed  by  his  own  re- 
flections, yet  these  seem  to  be  the  spontaneous  effusions  of 
the  thing  itself,  rather  than  any  foreign  ingrafting. 

But  the  great  strength  of  Mr.  M'Dowall  lay  in  his 
knowledge  of  the  Scriptures.  Here  can  be  no  mistake. 
Day  and  night  they  were  his  meditations — his  meat  and 
his  drink.  Well  might  he  sa)',  "  read  the  Bible  through.'* 
He  had  read  it  through  again  and  again,  and  knew  its 
value.  He  had  read  it  through  twice  the  last  year  of  his 
life,  and  nearly  half  through  the  third  time  ;  and  this  year, 
ioo,  was  one  replete  with  the  most  harassing  cares.  But 
the  word  of  God  was  his  strong  tower,  into  which  he  con- 
tinually run,  and  was  safe.  Every  page  of  his  writings  is 
embellished  with  the  sweet  words  of  eternal  life ;  and 
every  sentence  has  a  "  thus  saith  the  Lord  "  for  a  defence. 
His  conversations  and  his  prayers  bore  the  same  impress. 


580  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

He  iras  forgiving. — His  companion  could  testify  ho\y 
he  fervently  prayed  in  the  silence  of  night  for  his  bittef 
persecutors,  saying,  "  Father,  forgive  them,  for  they  know- 
not  what  they  do."  Long  did  his  charity  suffer  the  evil 
surmises,  the  hard  sayings,  and  the  strange  doings  of  those 
who  had  been  warm  in  his  praises  ;  and  when  asked  by  i\ 
friend — 

"  Mr.  M'Dowall,  why  do  you  suffer  yourself  to  be  so 
injured?  Why  do  you  not  keep  for  your  needy  family, 
the  money  that  is  justly  yours  T' 

His  answer  was — 

**  I  had  rather  suffer  than  quarrel,  and  let  the  Lord  re- 
buke them." 

Through  his  protracted  persecutions,  whenever  a  hasty 
or  retaliating  word  escaped  him,  he  took  the  earliest  op* 
portunity  to  humbly  acknowledge  his  fault. 

On  one  occasion,  a  ministering  brother  called  on  him 
as  a  stranger  from  the  country,  and  made  many  inquiries 
concerning  the  success  of  the  cause,  apparently  as  a  friend. 
Mr.  M'Dowall  answered  them  kindly,  but  unadvisedly 
made  an  imprudent  expression.  Before  he  slept,  he  made 
suitable  retraction  in  a  note,  which  he  sent  the  brother.  A 
short  time  after  this,  he  heard  this  brother  had  gone  to  a 
neighboring  city  and  exposed  his  fault,  w^ithout  the  ex- 
planatory confession. 

This  was  not  all ;  when  brought  before  the  Presbytery, 
this  expression  was  presented  as  a  proof  of  the  bitter  spi- 
rit of  M'Dowall.  This  w-as  a  great  grief.  He  could  not 
understand  what  spirit  of  forgiveness  this  brother  could 
possess,  and  how  he  could  reconcile  it  with  the  temper  of 
the  Gospel,  or  how  he  could  ever  again  confide  in  that 
brother. 

If  any  man  had  occasion  to  be  suspicious  of  pretended 
friends,  he  was  the  one. 

Often  had  he  cause  to  say,  "if  it  hid  been  an  enemy, 
I  could  have  borne  it." 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  381 

When  he  was  ordained  as  an  evangelist  in  the  city, 
the  brother*  who  gave  him  the  cliarge,  spake  in  the  most 
feeling,  pungent  manner  of  his  past  sufferings  and  future 
prospects.  He  spake  of  persecutions  which  he  had  en- 
dured, and  which  he  must  henceforth  expect  among  "false 
brethren  ;"  he  spake  of  sneers,  of  scorn,  and  of  "  gnashings 
of  teeth;"  he  spake  o(  ravenous  wolves  and  hungry  tigers, 
who  would  wait  to  devpur:  and  he  spake,  too,  like  one 
who  Avould  have  exclaimed,  had  the  application  been 
made  to  himself — "  Is  thy  servant  a  dog,  that  he  should 
do  such  a  thing?" 

A  friend  present  said  to  Mr.  M'Dowall  as  they  were 
leaving  the  house, 

"  Your  brother  has  spoken  almost  as  by  the  voice  of 
inspiration  ;  but  be  not  grieved  should  he  soon  be  found 
among  the  "  waiters  to  devour." 

The  trial  of  183G  can  tell  he  was  one  of  the  most  cla- 
morous in  crying,  "Away  with  him.  away  with  him." 

Mr.  M'Dowall,  when  reminded  of  this,  brought  not  a 
railing  accusation,  but  added, 

**  God  is  righteous  ;   He  will  not  disappoint  me." 

Does  a  query  arise,  how  so  much  forgiveness  of  spirit 
could  dwell  in  a  heart  where  so  much  "bad  spirit"  was 
manifest.  Did  not  Paul,  think  you,  possess  a  heart  of 
forgiveness,  when  he  said, 

*'  God  shall  smite  thee,  thou  whited  wall." 

And  when  the  keeper  of  the  prison  said, 

"  The  magistrates  have  sent  to  let  you  go,"  was  Paul's 
answer  and  conduct  derogatory  to  a  spirit  of  forgive- 
ness? 

But  Paul  said  unto  them,  "  They  have  beaten  us  openly, 
uncondemned,  being  Romans,  and  have  cast  us  into  pri- 
son:  and  now  do  they  thrust  us  out  privily?  Nay,  ve- 
rily, but  let  them  come  themselves  and  fetch  us  out.*' 

*  Mr.  Henry  G.  Ludlow. 


;8- 


MEMOIR    OF    THE 


But  what  did  Christ  do  when  all  the  ignomy  of  sinners 
was  poured  upon  him?  Why,  as  a  "sheep  dumb  before 
the  shearers,  so  opened  he  not  his  mouth."  But  what  was 
Christ's  errand  into  the  world  ?  To  fulfill  the  law,  and 
make  it  honorable;  to  make  an  atonement  for  sin. 

When,  by  the  "  determinate  counsel  and  foreknowledge 
of  God,"  the  hour  had  come  that  the  whole  curse  of  the 
law  must  be  poured  upon  him;  what  was  he  to  do?  "Think- 
est  thou  not  tliat  I  can  pray  unto  my  Father,  and  he  shall 
presently  send  me  more  than  twelve  legions  of  angels  ?" 
But  had  these  twelve  legions  been  sent,  and  he  been  res- 
cued, where  would  have  been  the  atonement?  "But  for 
this  cause  came  I  into  the  world."  "  This  is  your  hour, 
^nd  the  power  of  darkness."  ""  I  lay  doivn  my  life.''^  And 
this  he  did,  not  from  any  obligation  he  was  under  to  man, 
nor  because  his  enemies  were  just  in  their  demands  ;  but 
that  God's  law  might  be  honored.  And  as  this  was  his 
grand  message  into  the  world,  what  a  strange  contradic- 
tion would  have  appeared,  had  he  contended  for  character 
or  life  !  But  was  this  his  course  till  the  hour  had  come  ? 
did  he  not  reply  when  they  accused  him  of  gluttony? 
when  they  took  up  stones  to  sione  him  did  he  not  justify 
himself  by  saying, 

"Many  good  works  have  I  shown  you,  for  which  of 
these  works  do  you  stone  me  ?" 

When  accused  of  casting  out  devils  by  Beelzebub, 
did  he  bear  in  silence,  or  did  he  respond,  "By  whom  do 
your  sons  cast  them  out  ?"  "  Why  tempt  ye  me,  ye  hypo- 
crites?" was  his  answer  to  the  designing  Pharisees. 
What  did  he  say  to  his  disciples  when  he  sent  them  out? 
"  When  they  deliver  you  up,  take  no  thought  how  or  what 
ye  shall  speak,  for  it  shall  be  given  you  in  that  same 
hour  what  ye  shall  speak."  Did  this  imply  that  they 
were  not  to  speak  at  all?  And  what  did  Peter  and  Paul 
do  when  taken  before  magistrates,  beaten,  and  forbidden 
to  speak  any  more  in  the  name  of  Jesus?     Peter  boldly 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL,  oS3 

afHrms,  thai  "  ye,  by  wicked  hands,  have  crucified  and 
slain."  Did  not  Paul  make  his  own  defence,  and  in  that 
defence  say,  "neither  can  they  prove  the  things  whereof 
ihey  accuse  me  ?"  For  if  I  be  an  offender,  or  have  com- 
mitted any  thing  worthy  of  death,  I  refuse  not  to  die;  but 
if  there  be  none  of  these  things  whereof  these  accuse  me, 
no  man  may  deliver  me  unto  them.  "  1  appeal  unto 
Cffisar."* 

He  was  accused  of  eccentricity.  This  was  no  slander, 
if  eccentricity  consists  in  daring  to  be  singular  for  con- 
science sake.  He  was  not  conform.ed  to  this  world,  like 
most  men  ;  he  sought  not  iis  aggrandizement,  its  honors, 
or  its  wealth.  With  these  he  seemed  to  have  nothing  to 
do.  He  never  inquired,  when  duty  was  plain,  what  will 
men  think  or  say  of  me;  but  ventured  to  say,  what  no 
other  man,  since  the  preaching  of  Paul,  has  said  on  the 
sin  of  licentiousness.  He  wandered  about,  not  always  in 
so  comfortable  a  covering  as  "sheep  skins  or  goat  skins," 
being  "destitute,  afflicted,  and  tormented,  of  whom  the 
world  was  not  worthy."  The  charge  against  him  on  the 
celebrated  trial,  "  Unniinisierial  conduct,^^  was  a  true  one; 
for  what  minister  in  modern  times  has  dared  to  conduct 
like  him  ?  No  one  can  read  his  public  and  private  jour- 
nals, and  Magdalen  Facts,  without  acknowledging  his 
conduct  to  be  almost  entirely  "  unministerial,^^  and  it  was 
impossible  that  movements  like  his  could  pass  unnoticed; 
and  these  movements  must  either  be  condemned  or  ap- 
plauded:  if  applauded,  it  was  an  acknowledgment  involv- 
ing self  condemnation.  And  what  more  soothing  opiate 
than  "  unminislerial  ?" 

*  It  was  intended,  at  the  commencement  of  this  memoir,  tostat6 
facts  without  note  or  comment,  and  let  the  character  of  the  deceased 
be  inferred  from  these  facts.  But  here  is  a  fact,  on  which  good  peo- 
ple diifer.  That  M'Dowall  did  publish  his  defence,  and  speak  with 
much  «le<  isioM  in  that  defence,  is  well  known;  but  tliat  he  had  a 
gospel  right  thus  to  do,  has  been  disputed.  But  to  the  law  and  to 
the  testimony;  if  these  speak  on  this  wise,  then  M'Dowall  is  ex- 
ooerated. 


384  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

His  eccentricities  extended  not  only  to  the  peculiarity 
of  his  labors,  but  to  the  minutiae  of  life.  His  wardrobe, 
his  table,  his  parlor  (when  he  had  a  dwelling)  was  wholly 
''  unminiscerinl ;''  he  had  no  "  lust  of  the  eye,"  no  "  pride 
of  life"  to  decorate  his  abode  ;  he  asked  not  to  fare  sump- 
tuously, but  contented  himself  when  the  plainest  crumbs 
were  spread  upon  his  plate.  He  sought  not  the  "chief 
seats  in  the  synagogue,"  nor  to  be  called  "  Rabbi !  rabbi !" 
Was  he  not  "  un ministerial  V 

Travel  the  length  and  breadth  of  the  American  Conti- 
nent, not  forgetting  the  self-denying  Icelandic  Moravian  ; 
go  to  the  islands  of  the  sea;  go  to  Hindostan,  Burmah 
and  China:  and  where,  in  all  ihe  catalogue,  will  you  find 
more  unremitting  labor,  and  where  will  you  find  more 
'^perils  among  false  brethren  ?'^  Eternity  alone  can  tell 
the  story;  eternity  alone  can  tell  how  the  apostles  have 
greeted  him  as  the  restorer  of  that  Christ-like,  unwearied 
zeal  and  patience  which  buoyed  them  up  till  they  had 
sealed  their  testimony  with  their  blood. 

Let  every  bishop  in  Christendom,  rich  or  poor,  popular 
or  unpopular;  let  every  missionary/  or  pastor,  with  the 
Bible  in  his  hands,  in  the  presence  of  his  Judge,  ask  himself 
if  he  has  dared  to  be  as  apostolic  as  M'Dowall.  Let  him 
ask  himself  if  he  dare  take  the  seventh  commandnfiont  in  his 
hand,  and  go  not  only  into  the  dens  of  the  nolluted,  but  to 
the  halls  of  the  magistrate  and  the  sanctum  sanctorum  of 
the  church,  and  bring  out  the  hidden  abominations  por- 
trayed upon  its  walls.  Has  he  done  it ;  dare  he  do  it  ? 
If  so,  on  him  let  the  mantle  of  M'Dowall  fall.  If  so,  let 
his  conduct  be  denounced  as  ''  unmlnistcrial"  and  let  him 
share  with  him  those  heavenly  visions  which  burst  upon 
his  enraptured  sight  when  he  stood  up  on  the  confines  of 
the  eternal  world  ! 

**♦*## 

He  had  a  happy  talent  of  conversing  with  children, 
lie  descended  to  their  capacities,  and  when  he  would  re- 


REV.    JOHN    R.    M  DOWALL.  385 

prove  them  of  sin,  he  made  them  understand  what  is  im- 
plied by  sin.  He  would  draw  a  willing  confession,  and 
fetch  the  tear  of  sorrow  from  the  most  obdurate  heart.  His 
government  was  inflexible  and  scriptural.  With  the  Bible 
in  his  hand,  he  said  to  the  Magdalens  in  his  family, 

"  God  says  thus,  and  so,  and  we  must  do  it.  Dare  you 
disobey  ?  1  dare  not." 

A  pause  ensued,   when  he  asked, 

'•  Are  you  prepared  to  hear  what  God  says  in  this  holy 
book  ?" 

Then  reading,  he  would  apply  it,  so  that  each  felt  her- 
self the  one  addressed. 

In  this  wayhe  kept  up  order  in  his  house  among  those 
where  it  would  seem  impossible.  The  most  incorrigible 
found  no  alternative  but  submission,  and  this  submission 
was  a  force  often  to  her  unknown. 

When  he  received  one  of  this  class  into  his  house,  he 
first  divested  her  of  her  "tinkling  ornaments,"  and  clothed 
her  in  "  modest  apparel." 

''  Love  of  dress,"  said  he,  "  has  ruined  many  a  charac- 
ter, and  sent  many  a  soul  to  the  abodes  of  darkness."  In 
this  he  often  found  a  great  struggle.  They  cling  to  these 
idols  almost  with  a  deadly  grasp. 

He  once  had  occasion  to  divest  one  of  these  *  strange  wo- 
men '  of  her  gay  attire,  who  had  professed  much  humility 
of  heart  for  her  sins.  He  took  her  different  changes  of 
raiment,  and  her  jewelry,  to  an  extravagant  amount,  and 
placed  them  together  before  her. 

'•  These,"  said  he,  "  you  must  give  up,  and  put  on  the 
apparel  of  a  modest  woman." 

She  did  so,  and  went  to  church  with  Mrs.  M'Dowall,  in 
a  plain  dress  and  hat.     On  her  return,  she  asked, 

"  Who  was  the  lady  sitting  before  us  to-day  ?  Is  she  a 
church-member  ?" 

'•  Yes." 

"  Did  you  see  her  dress  and  trimmings  ?" 
33 


3S6  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

"  I  did,"  was  the  answer. 

"And  she  a  church-member,  dressed  so  gail^r,  while  I 
must  be  told  it  is  sin  for  me  to  dress  in  any  manner  like  this. 

Mr.  M' Do  wail,  with  his  usual  decision,  silenced  the 
murmuring,  by  saying, 

"Church-members  are  not  my  pattern,  nor  must  they  be 
yours.     The  Bible,  the  Bible  is  the  standard." 

]Much  cause  had  he  to  mourn  over  the  love  of  dress  in 
professed  christians.  He  has  mentioned  in  his  Journal,  it 
was  one  of  the  greatest  inlets  to  licentiousness  in  our  city; 
and  he  found  that  the  abandoned  females  under  his  care 
would  submit  to  any  change  more  willingly  than  a  change 
of  dress. 

He  insisted  much  on  cleanliness.  He  seemed  to  attach 
a  moral  pollution  to  filth  of  any  kind.  During  his  sick- 
ness, to  be  washed  in  pure  water  was  the  greatest  luxury. 

"The  filth — the  abominations  of  this  city!"  he  would 
often  exclaim,  with  a  shrinking  as  from  something  tangi- 
ble and  polluting  to  the  touch. 

He  was  fond  of  home :  and  here  alone  can  the  true 
christian  character  be  known.  Here  M' Do  wall  showed 
tJiiat  God  was  his  all.  It  was  here  might  be  seen  that  re- 
ligion was  in  him  a  "  well  of  water  springing  up  to  ever- 
lasting life."  His  kind,  his  affectionate  regard  to  the  part- 
ner of  his  toils,  and  her  only  child,  was  almost  unparal- 
leled. He  could  not  endure  that  they  should  lack  any 
good  thing.  "  His  kindness  in  sickness,"  says  her  daugh- 
ter, "exceeded  all  bounds."  His  own  fevered  brain  had 
so  often  needed  the  opiates  of  tenderness  and  care,  that 
well  had  he  learned  to  administer  the  same.  He  was  un- 
easy when  the  daughter  was  from  home;  and  once,  when 
she  left  because  his  house  was  occupied  by  magdalens, 
he  said, 

"  How  can  I  submit  that  she  should  be  driven  away  to 
make  place  for  such  substitutes?  While  I  have  a  piece  of 
bread  I  will  share  it  with  her.    O,  how  must  parents  feel 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOVVALL.  387 

Jowards  their  children,  when  this  one,  who  is  not  my  own, 
is  so  near  my  heart  !" 

It  was  his  practice  to  pray  three  times  a-day  in  his  fa- 
mily, and  oftentimes  he  arose  in  the  night  to  pray  and 
read  the  Scriptures.  Elis  lamp  was  continually  burning 
through  the  night,  or  accommodations  to  light  one  at  any 
moment. 

A  friend  who  spent  a  week  in  his  family  a  short  time 
previous  to  his  decease,  writes  thus  to  Mrs.  M'Dowall: 

"  While  my  memory  lasts,  1  think  I  shall  never  forget 
the  week  I  spent  with  you  in  New- York.  I  esteem  it  one 
of  the  most  profitable  ones  in  my  whole  life.  It  is  pleasant 
as  well  as  profitable  to  see  the  principles  of  the  Gospel 
brought  into  the  common  affairs  of  life,  and  religion  lived 
as  well  as  talked  of.  It  was  always  a  wonder  with  me, 
that  any  one  could  be  acquainted  with  Mr.  M'Dowall  and 
not  discover  in  him  the  spirit  of  the  meek  and  lowly  Jesus. 

"  How  pleasant  must  be  the  reflections  of  your  daughter, 
to  remember  how  much  she  was  permitted  to  do  for  the 
comfort  of  one  of  the  dear  children  of  God.  I  trust  she 
will  not  lose  her  reward." 

"Often,"  says  his  partner,  "has  he  returned  from  his 
excessive  labors  exhausted  and  sinking  to  such  a  degree 
that  restoratives  were  necessary  ;  and  his  mind  so  depress- 
♦^d,  that  the  Bible  and  prayer  could  be  the  only  physician." 
O !  these  were  mercy-drops  in  that  bitter  cup  which  a 
compassionate  Savior  mingled  with  the  wormwood  and 
the  gall  he  was  constantly  drinking  in  the  dark  world 
without. 

A  visiter  once  said, 

'*  Is  not  your  patience  exhausted  to  be  called  from  your 
work  so  often  for  reading  and  prayers  ?" 

"  O  no,"  was  the  answer.  "  This  is  the  greatest  comfort 
the  poor  man  enjoys,  and  we  should  be  sorry  to  deprive 
him  of  this." 

Blessed  family  !  Though  you  have  "  sowed  in  tears,  you 


388  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

shall  reap  in  joy."  Though  you  have  had  no  restlno--pIace 
for  the  sole  of  your  foot,  the  long  sleep  of  the  grave  and 
the  sweet  home  of  heaven  shall  rest  your  weary  feet ;  and 
though  your  table  has  been  sparingly  spread,  yet  a  rich 
feast  is  preparing,  and  one  has  already  sat  down  to  the 
banquet. 

'*  I  will  not  leave  you  comfortless"  was  fully  verified  in 
this;  had  M' Do  wall  found  no  shelter  within,  from  the 
peltings  of  the  storm  without,  but  the  folly  and  noise  of  the 
clamorous  woman,  his  pathway  would  have  been  hedged 
at  every  step  with  piercing  thorns,  and  his  martyrdom 
would  long  since  have  been  completed. 

He  was  from  childhood  ardently  attached  to  home;  the 
name  of  father,  mother,  brother,  and  sister,  he  often  men- 
tioned with  the  most  heartfelt  tenderness.  It  was  there, 
when  in  college,  in  traveling,  his  hopes,  his  affections 
seemed  to  centre ;  and  in  his  pungent  appeals  to  the  aban- 
doned, how  often  does  he  point  them  to  the  paternal  roof, 
and  endeavor  to  awaken  the  dormant  sensibilities  of  the 
heart  by  these  tender  appeals. 

"  Have  you  a  mother  or  a  sister  ?  Did  your  mother 
send  you  here?  Does  not  her  image  haunt  your  guilty 
soul  when  you  are  alone  in  the  silent  watches  of  the  night  ?" 
These  were  common  interrogations,  and  M' Do  wall  had  a 
mother,  and  he  loved  her  too.  Never,  will  she  forget  her 
-visit  to  New-York  to  see  him,  when  his  joy  was  so  great, 
that  he  not  only  fell  upon  her  neck  and  kissed  her,  but  he 
took  her  in  his  arms,  he  wept,  he  laughed,  he  set  her  down 
and  took  her  up,  seemingl}^  in  a  transport  of  tenderness 
and  joy,  till  he  could  do  nothing  else  but  sit  down  and 
look  upon  her.  His  was  the  "  eye  that  mocked  not  at  his 
father,  nor  scorned  to  obey  his  mother."  He  was  the  son 
over  whose  grave  his  aged  parents  may  shed  tears  of  plea- 
sant sorrow.  Well  may  they  say  with  David,  "  very 
pleasant  hast  thou  been  unto  me,"  thy  love  to  us  was 
wonderful. 


REV.    JOHN    R.     m'dOWALL.  389 

His  brothers,  and  his  sisters  too,  when  they  look  back 
vn  the  days  of  childhood,  when  by  the  fire-side  in  peace 
and  affection  they  assembled,  and  think  that  the  beloved 
John,  who  was  then  one  of  the  happy  group,  is  sleeping 
in  death,  may  well  say,  "  the  remembrance  of  him  is 
sweet." 

What  godly  parent  would  not  strike  a  new  anthem  of 
praise,  when  a  beloved  child  has  so  valiantly  "  fought  the 
good  fight  and  finished  the  faith,"  and  gone  through  the 
glorious  gate  of  martyrdom  into  the  celestial  city  ! 

What  pious  brother  or  sister  would  not  mingle  with 
their  tears  of  sorrow,  a  grateful  song  of  praise  that  such  a 
brother,  as  a  reward  for  his  untiring  zeal,  is  crowned  a 
little  before  them  ;  that  his  care-worn  body  is  at  rest,  and 
his  emancipated  soul  drinking  full  draughts  from  the  foun- 
tain of  life  in  the  midst  of  the  paradise  of  God. 


33* 


390  MEMOIR    OF    THE 


From  the  Rev.  Theodore  Wright. 

My  first  acquaintance  with  Mr.  M'Dowall  was  aJ 
Schenectady,  in  New- York,  where  I  passed  the  years  of  my 
minority.  About  the  year  1825  or  6,  he  was  a  member  of 
Union  College:  he  was  of  that  class  of  young  men  who 
believed  it  his  duty,  while  diligent  and  persevering  in  the 
acquisition  of  knowledge,  to  qualify  him  for  a  more  extend- 
ed sphere  of  usefulness  in  future  life,  to  do  good  as  he 
passed  along. 

He  often  remarked  to  me, 

•'  We  must  now  work  for  the  good  of  souls,  for  we 
know  not  that  we  shall  be  permitted  to  enter  the  holy 
ministry." 

Actuated  by  this  principle,  he  devoted  many  of  those 
hours,  usually  spent  in  recreation  by  others,  to  distributing 
Tracts,  visiting  and  conversing  with  the  poor.  So  intense 
was  his  love  for  souls,  that  I  have  known  him,  when  pass- 
ing along  the  streets,  to  gather  the  little  children  into  a 
neighboring  house  to  converse  with  them  on  the  duty  of 
loving  a  Savior. 

The  colored  community  knew  and  loved  him  :  through 
the  influence  of  his  counsels  and  prayers  they  were  often 
refreshed,  both  in  the  social  meeting  and  at  the  fireside ; 
and  many  of  them  were  led  to  rejoice  in  the  Savior. 

We  know  him  by  no  other  term  than  the  good  Mr. 
M'Dowall. 

His  zeal  and  humility  won  the  confidence  of  the  chris- 
tian community.  About  this  time  the  Presbyterian  church 
in  Schenectady  was  vacant,  consequently  the  spiritual  in- 
terest of  the  church,  under  God,  was  thrown  upon  the  laity. 
Through  their  solicitation,  Mr.  M'Dowall  was  induced  to 
forego  the  privilege  of  visiting  his  parental   roof,  from 


REV.     JOHN     R.     m'dOWALL.  391 

which  he  had  Jong-  been  absent,  to  spend  his  summer  va- 
cation in  the  promotion  of  the  canse  of  religion  among- 
them.  He  labored  from  house  to  house  during  the  day, 
and  almost  every  evening  in  the  week  he  attended  meetings 
for  conference  and  prayer ;  the  Lord  greatly  owned  and 
blessed  his  efforts. 

The  people  of  God  were  aroused,  and  labored  and 
prayed  for  the  salvation  of  souls  ;  and  a  number  were  U5ade 
10  rejoice  in  the  hope  of  salvation. 

It  was  the  blessedness  no  less  than  the  inconvenience 
of  Mr.  M'Dowall,  to  be  in  advance  of  many  of  Lis  brethren 
in  his  zeal  and  in  his  views  of  christian  attainments  and 
action.  This  subjected  him  to  many  a  sore  trial,  growing 
out  of  the  course  he  pursued  among  his  fellow-students. 
He  felt  it  his  duty  to  labor  for  the  salvation  of  those  out 
of  Christ ;  visiting  from  room  to  room,  solemnl}^  expostu- 
lating with  the  most  sceptical  among  them. 

He  was  urged  on  under  the  impression  that  they,  with 
himself,  w^^te  shortly  to  go  forth  to  exert  a  decidedly  health- 
ful or  pestilential  influence  upon  the  world.  This  called 
out  against  him  all  the  latent  and  virulent  opposition  of 
those  youthful,  high-minded  sinners.  He  met  this  joy- 
fully, but  the  fault-finding,  sensorious  disposition  evinced 
towards  him  by  many  of  his  pious  companions,  almost 
crushed  his  spii'it.  Some  even  charged  him  with  pursu- 
ing a  course  that  would  lead  the  young  men  to  infidelity, 
rather  than  to  embrace  the  Savior.  "  O ! "  said  he  to  a 
friend,  "  I  am  in  a  strait  betwixt  two.  My  brethren,  w^ho,  I 
am  persuaded,  mistake,  urge  me  to  desist ;  but  my  con- 
science and  my  Bible  urge  me  onward.  I  think  I  have  a 
'  Thus  saith  the  Lord'  for  my  course.  I  dare  not  desist, 
I  dare  not  meet  these  dear  fellow-students  at  the  judgment, 
with  their  blood  in  the  skirts  of  my  garments."  This  trans- 
action called  out  the  prominent  traits  of  character  which 
subsequently,  in  the  life  of  Mr.  M'Dowall,  were  more  fully 
developed  ;  namely,  inflexible  adherence  to  principle,  and 


392  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

• 

unyielding  moral  courage  in  carrying  them  out.  In  no 
one  individual  have  I  seen  these  characteristics  more 
strikingly  marked. 

He  was  a  warm  friend  of  my  oppressed  and  greatly  in- 
jured people.  No  individual  have  I  ever  known  more  free 
from  that  chilling  "  American  caste,"  which  tortures  the 
feelings  of  all  who  are  of  a  darker  hue  than  their  neigh- 
bors, withers  their  temporal  prospects,  proscribes  them,  ir- 
respectively of  moral  worth,  and  irreligiously  says  to  those 
for  whom  Christ  died,  ''Stand  thou  there.''^ 

Of  this  truth  we  have  a  striking  illustration  in  the  fol- 
lowing occurrence : 

While  at  the  Theological  Institute  in  Princeton,  it  was 
my  happiness  to  board  and  room  in  a  very  respectable 
and  pious  colored  family. 

When  Mr.  M' Do  wall  became  acquainted  with  this  cir- 
cumstance, which  was  previous  to  his  going  to  Princeton, 
he  at  once  determined  to  secure  the  same  for  himself. 

I  left  the  seminary  in  1828,  which  was  the  year  he  en- 
tered. On  his  arrival  at  Princeton  he  immediately  applied 
to  my  friend  for  the  apartment  which.  I  had  occupied.  My 
friend  acceded  to  his  request,  Mr.  M'Dowall  was  delighted 
with  his  situation,  anticipating  much  satisfaction  in  the  oc- 
cupancy of  his  convenient  and  pleasant  room;  not  dreaming 
that  an  objection  could  possibly  arise  among  those  with 
whom  he  was  associated  for  the  soul-expanding  purpose  of 
preparing  to  preach  the  everlasting  Gospel  of  peace.  But  he 
soon  found  his  mistake ;  so  great  was  the  excitement  among 
some  of  the  dark-complexioned-hating-young-theologians, 
that  meetings  were  called,  and  the  voice  of  remonstrance 
in  murmuring  tones  fell  upon  his  ear.  It  was  with 
mingled  emotions  of  sorrow  and  regret  that  he  witnessed 
this  anti-christiaii  spirit  manifested  among  those,  who,  above 
all  others,  ought  to  be  the  last  to  "have  the  faith  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  with  respect  of  persons." 


REV.     JOHN    R.     m'dOWALL.  393 

In  order  to  calm  the  angry  storm,  he  waved  his  rights 
and  took  another  boarding-house. 

When  conversing  on  the  subject  of  the  oppressed,  hi 
frequently  remarked  to  me,  that  his  deep  abhorrence  of  li- 
centiousness induced  an  equal  hatred  of  slavery. 

"Why,"  said  he,  "what  is  the  slave-holding  section  of 
the  country  but  a  sink  of  pollution — '  one  vast  brothel  ?' 

He  maintained  that  the  overthrow  of  the  American  Ba- 
bel was  retarded  not  only  by  the  lust  of  unbridled  power, 
or  of  filthy  lucre,  but  by  the  "  lust  of  the  flesh,"  He  held 
that  this  was  a  strong-hold  of  the  monster  slavery,  of  which 
few  are  aware.  He  has  said  to  me,  "  I  view  myself  an  anti- 
slavery  agent,  doing  that  very  work ;  for  the  more  licen- 
tiousness is  brought  out  to  view,  the  more  slavery — the  ac- 
cursed system,  which,  above  all  others  in  Christendom,  is 
the  prolific  cause  of  this  abomination — will  be  abhorred. 

During  my  absence  from  the  city  in  1832,  from  the 
people  of  my  charge,  occasioned  by  indisposition,  this 
good  brother  supplied  my  pulpit  eight  months,  with 
great  satisfaction  and  profit  to  my  people,  receiving  no 
other  reward  than  the  prayers  and  donations  of  the  poor ; 
indeed  he  asked  no  other,  save  the  heart-felt  satisfaction  of 
doing  good.  Never  can  we  cease  to  thank  the  Great  Head 
of  the  church  for  the  labors  of  this,  his  dear  servant, 
among  us.  Many  mothers,  with  deep  emotions  of  grati- 
tude, remember  his  tender  appeals  of  love  and  truth  to 
their  sick  or  dying  children.  So  do  companions,  and 
brothers,  and  sisters,  remember  his  visits,  which  were  so 
refreshing  at  the  time  when  the  awful  cholera  clad  our 
city  in  sackcloth,  and  the  destroying  angel  was  in  almost 
every  family.  O  yes — they  remember  the  words  of  con- 
solation, and  the  fervent  prayers  which  flowed  from  his 
lips  at  the  dying  pillow  of  those  whom  they  loved. 

My  people  were  always  glad  to  hear  it  announced  that 
Mr.  M' Do  wall  was  to  preach  ;  and  surely  his  plain  straight 
forward  attacks  upon  the  powers  of  darkness  were  equally 


394  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

acceptable  and  edifying  to  me.  After  the  time  he  ceased 
to  exercise  his  ministerial  functions,  he  very  frequently 
attended  our  place  of  worship.  On  one  occasion  he  said 
to  me,  as  he  took  me  by  the  hand,  in  his  peculiarly  plea- 
sant manner, 

"  Brother  Wright,  here  I  am  happy.  Here  I  enjoy  the 
communion  of  saints.  No  where  else  do  I  feel  so  much 
at  home.     O  !  how  pleasant  it  is  to  meet  kindred  spirits  !" 

I  shall  never  forget  his  last  visit.  It  was  on  one  Sab- 
bath morning,  early  last  summer. 

I  invited  him  to  offer  a  few  remarks  ;  he  arose  and  com- 
menced, and  never  before  had  1  heard  him  so  happy  ;  he 
went  wholly  beyond  himself.  He  dwelt  on  the  theme 
which  occupied  his  dying  moments — the  Bible,  the  Bi- 
ble. So  powerful,  eloquent,  and  convincing  an  appeal  in 
behalf  of  the  precious  book  I  never  before  heard.  He 
very  lucidly  showed  the  importance  of  studying  the  sacred 
volume ;  the  almost  general  and  criminal  neglect  of  this 
invaluable  treasure  among  good  people  of  the  present  day, 
and  the  necessity  of  an  immediate  and  systematic  effort  to 
bring  the  church  back  to  study  the  word  of  God.  He  re- 
marked, •'  For  the  last  few  months,  I  have  employed  my 
time  in  endeavoring  to  induce  individuals  to  commence 
reading  the  Bible  through,  in  course,  once  or  twice  a  year." 
He  stated  that  he  had  a  large  list  of  names,  with  the  resi- 
dence of  persons  who  are  willing  to  unite  in  this  delight- 
ful employment.  He  invited  my  people  to  co-operate  with 
him,  quite  a  number  of  whom  acceded  to  his  propositions. 
If  ever  I  felt  humbled  under  a  sense  of  neglected  duty,  it 
was  when  hearing  this  soul-thrilling  address.  O  !  how 
he  enforced  the  divine  mandate,  "  search  the  Scriptures."' 
1  received  an  impression  which  will  never  leave  me  till 
the  day  of  my  death. 

Mr.  M'Dowall  was  endeared  to  me  by  long-continued 
and  intimate  acquaintance.  We  were  indeed  friends.  We 
wept,  we  prayed,  and  we  rejoiced  together. 


REV.    JOHN    R.     m'dOWALL.  395 

I  have  spent  more  hours  vrith  him  than  with  any  other 
ministerial  brother  in  the  city. 

I  think  I  never  saw  a  man  more  conscientious  and  in- 
tent on  doing  good. 

His  intercourse  with  others  was  marked  with  great 
simplicity.  I  always  thought  that  the  good  men  who 
have  oppressed  him  have  greatly  misjudged  concerning 
his  character.  If  they  had  occupied  the  same  relation  to 
him  I  have,  they  would,  I  am  persuaded,  have  had  similar 
views  with  me. 

If  they  had  witnessed  his  anxiety,  tears,  and  deep  sor- 
row, in  view  of  his  difficulties  with  his  christian  brethren, 
and  the  obstacles  these  difficulties  placed  in  the  way  of  the 
cause  to  which  he  was  devoted,  iheir  views  concerning 
him  would  have  been  entirely  different,  I  am  aware  that 
he  had  his  faults.  Who  has  them  not  7  It  is  human  to 
err.  But  his  errors  were  of  the  head,  rather  than  of  the 
heart.  But  I  believe,  however  others  may  differ  from  me 
in  opinion  concerning  him,  that  the  view  I  have  now 
expressed  will  be  found,  in  the  great  day  of  judgment,  to 
be  in  accordance  with  truth. 

Yours  respectfully, 

Theodore  S.   Wright. 

From  J.  W . 


In  the  fall  of  the  year  1833,  I  went  to  New- York  to 
superintend  the  mechanical  department  of  Mr.  M'Dowall's 
Journal.  I  resided  in  Mr.  JM'Dowall's  family  till  some 
time  in  the  next  spring.  Here  I  had  an  opportunity  to 
study  the  character  of  the  man.  I  did  so.  But  it  needs 
an  abler  pen  than  mine  to  give  a  history,  so  that  the  pub- 
lic may  form  even  a  faint  conception  of  the  true  worth  of 
Mr.  jVl'Dowall. 

Still  I  feel  it  a  great  privilege  to  give  my  testimony  in 
favor  of  that  much-injured  man. 


395  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

That  portion  of  the  tenement  which  Air.  iVl'Dowall  oc- 
cupied in  Thompson-street,  consisted  of  a  front  room  and 
small  back  room,  a  bed-room  on  the  second  floor,  and  a 
small  room  in  the  attic.  The  front  room,  which  had  been 
occupied  as  a  parlor,  was  now  turned  into  a  printing,  or 
composition  room  and  Mr.  M'Dowall's  study. 

Mrs.  M' Do  wall,  to  her  honor  be  it  spoken,  willingly 
put  herself  to  much  inconvenience  to  aid  in  effecting-  the 
arrangement  at  that  time. 

She  delighted  in  doing  any  thing  that  afforded  her  hope 
that  she  was  strengthening  the  hands  and  encouraging 
the  heart  of  her  husband  in  the  good  work  to  which  she 
gave  her  whole  heart,  and  for  the  accomplishment  of 
which  she  prayed  and  labored  day  and  night.  Often, 
when  her  oppressed  husband  had  been  out  a  portion  of 
the  day,  attending  to  duties  connected  with  the  Journal ; 
and  in  view  of  the  mountainous  weight  resting  upon  him, 
and  the  discouragement  which  met  him  on  every  side  ;  the 
devastating  ocean  of  licentiousness  engulfing  its  thou- 
sands, and  the  deadly  thrusts  made  at  him  by  false  breth- 
ren, he  came  home  with  his  soul  burdened,  and  weighed 
down  to  the  very  dust,  his  heart  almost  bursting  with  an- 
guish; his  dear  wife,  like  a  kind  ministering  spirit  from  the 
abode  of  bliss,  with  sweet  and  heavenly  consolation,  soothed 
and  imparted  words  full  of  comfort  to  his  troubled  soul. 

After  the  printing  materials  were  removed  to  the  house, 
the  small  back-room  served  as  parlor,  kitchen,  and  bed- 
room for  Mr.  and  Mrs.  M'Dowall :  and  the  other  small 
room  was  occupied  as  a  bed-room  by  a  member  of  the 
family,  and  I  occupied  the  attic. 

The  furniture  in  the  room  used  as  parlor,  kitchen,  and 
bed-room,  consisted  of  a  rag  carpet,  two  old-fashioned  low 
bottomed  rocking-chairs,  a  few  common  chairs,  a  table,  and 
a  small  cooking  stove,  and  a  common  birch-post  bedstead, 
with  ordinary  covering.  Our  meals  consisted  principally 
of  coarse  wheat,  or  Indian  corn  bread,  wheat  mush  and 


REV.    JOHN    R.    M'dOWALL.  397 

molasses,  or  potatoes,  with  the  addition,  sometimes,  of 
apples  or  apple-sauce,  or  a  plain  apple-pie.  The  cost  of 
provisions  for  each  in  the  family,  I  presume  to  say, 
was  not  over  $1  25  per  week;  all  other  expenses  for  dress, 
fuel,  &c.  were  in  accordance  with  the  above.  I  am  thus 
particular,  because  it  has  been  said  by  many,  that  Mr. 
M'Dowall  had  robbed  the  public,  to  spend  the  proceeds  in 
luxurious  living. 

The   duty  of  family  worship  and  reading-   the   Bible 
was  attended  three  times  a  day.     Mr.  M' Do  wall  loved  to 
read  and  dwell  upon  the  book  of  the  Acts  of  the  Apostles. 
At  family  worship  he  spent  much  time  in  readino-  and 
com-menting  on  the  Scriptures.     He  was  not  contented 
with  reading  the  Bible  and  filling  his  own  soul  with  it, 
but  he  wished  to  have  others  feed   upon  it  as  he  did.     In 
prayer  he  was  fervent,  asking  what  his  soul  most  desired 
and  then  saying  no  more.     No  one  could  remain  long  in 
hisfamily,  if  ina  state  of  impenitency,  and  not  feel  reproved. 
The  whole  time  I  was  with  him,  his  soul  was  bur- 
dened with  a  weight  in  view  of  the  opposition  he  met  from 
the  Female  Benevolent  Society.     He  bore  patiently  the 
persecutions,  insults,  and  reproach  from  certain  men  who 
had  the  direction  of  that  society.     I  was  in  his  office  one 
morning,  and  saw  the  spirit  manifested  by  these  men.     I 
heard  them   insult  the  poor  man  till   his  soul  seemed  to 
bleed  at  every  pore.     Yet,  like  his  blessed  Master,  when 
he  was  reviled,  he  reviled  not  again :  when  he  was  perse- 
cuted, he  suffered   it  and  committed  all  unto   him  •   who 
judgeth  righteously.     His  bitterest  enemies  have  come  to 
him  and  endeavored  to  get  him  into  a  passion,  and  have 
made  much  effort  to  cause  him  to  do  something  inconsist- 
ent, that  they  might  have  wherewith  to  accuse  him  justly  • 
but  have  gone  away  vexed  because  they  were  sorely  de- 
feated. 

In  all  the  time  I  was  with  him,  I  never  saw  him  in 

34 


393  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

one  instance  angry.    He  was  gentlemanly,  kind,  and  coaf' 
teous  to  all ;   in  his  family  he  was  kind  and  affectionate. 

He  conversed  with  me  much  in  relation  to  the  oppres- 
sive course  taken  by  his  enemies,  but  I  never  heard  him 
bring  a  railing  accusation  against  any  of  them.  From 
day  to  day,  and  from  week  to  vveek,  did  I  urge  him  to 
make  a  full  exposure  in  his  Journal  of  the  proceedings  of 
the  Benevolent  Society  against  him ;  yet  he  forbore,  hoping 
they  would  cease  their  persecutions  and  do  him  justice 
But  these  hopes  were  blasted.  Not  satisfied  with  demand- 
ing his  money,  they  attacked  his  character,  and  in  this 
way  did  what  could  be  done  to  destroy  him.  Finally, 
when  he  found  they  would  persevere,  and  that  the  cause  of 
purity  and  truth  must  suffer  if  he  remained  longer  silent, 
he  made  a  full  exposure  of  all  which  he  thought  necessary. 

It  has  been  reported  that  Mr.  M'Dowall  bought  a 
large  number  of  obscene  prints,  and  carried  them  about 
the  country,  and  exhibited  them  to  all  who  chose  to  look 
at  them.  This  is  not  true.  The  facts  in  relation  to  these 
pictures  were  these :  There  were  a  number  of  auction- 
rooms  in  Broadway  where  Mr.  M'Dowall  learned  these 
prints  were  sold.  Determined  to  ascertain  the  facts,  a 
number  of  us  went  to  several  auction -rooms  (evenings) 
and  bought  many  of  these  prints,  and  gave  them  to  Mr. 
M'Dowall  as  evidence  that  such  things  were  sold  at 
public  auction.  Mr.  M'Dowall  then  determined  to  inves- 
tigate this  matter  thoroughly.  He  made  known  the  facts 
to  several  christian  men  in  the  city,  and  ihey  furnished 
him  with  the  means  to  effect  the  object ;  and  every  place 
that  was  known,  or  in  respect  to  which  any  suspicions 
were  entertained,  where  obscene  prints,  books,  cards,  and 
boxes  were  sold,  was  visited.  At  a  large  wholesale  store 
in  Pearl-street  quite  a  number  of  different  articles  were 
bouo-ht  of  the  most  obscene  and  licentious  character.  At 
some  of  the  largest  fancy  stores  in  Broadway  many  articles 
of  this  character  were  bought ;  and  it  was  found  that  these 


REV.    JOHN    R,    m'dOWALL.  399 

articles  were  imported  in  large  quantities  from  foreign 
countries,  were  also  manufactured,  and  constituted  a  con- 
siderable portion  of  the  trade  of  wholesale  dealers  among 
us.  Bills  and  receipts  were  obtained  for  articles  bought 
when  possible.  The  articles  in  Mr.  M'Dowall's  possession 
were  always  kept  locked  in  a  trunk,  and  the  key  kept  in 
his  possession.  His  agents  have  requested  the  privilege 
of  taking  some  of  the  prints,  when  they  went  into  the 
country,  to  exhibit  to  ministers.  He  always  refused.  He 
once  observed,  he  would  not  be  responsible  for  the  iniquity 
that  might  be  caused  by  the  circulation  of  these  obscene 
prints  for  worlds.  By  the  advice  of  christian  men,  he 
finally  concluded  to  invite  certain  ministers,  who  attend- 
ed the  May  anniversary,  to  examine  these  articles,  and 
see  what  means  Satan  was  using  to  build  up  his  kingdom, 
and  to  awaken  them  to  a  sense  of  the  danger  the  whole 
country  was  in.  We  have  full  evidence  that  his  object 
was  accomplished.  These  articles  were  then  returned  to 
their  place  of  deposit,  and  very  few  have  ever  seen  them 
since. 

Much  more  might  be  stated  to  prove  that  no  man  ever 
acted  more  conscientiously.  He  adhered  strictly  to  the 
injunction,  "  Owe  no  man."  When  I  was  about  publish- 
ing a  paper  in  New- York,  he  met  me  one  day  in  the 
street,  and  looking  me  solemnly  in  the  face,  he  said,  "  Jo- 
seph, don't  you  run  in  debt  for  one  article  to  publish  your 
paper.    If  you  do,  God  will  curse  your  eflbrts." 

Notwithstanding  the  perplexities  with  which  he  was 
harassed,  he  was  most  generally  in  a  calm,  serene  state  of 
mind,  and  at  times  his  peace  flowed  like  a  river.  One 
Sabbath  evening,  after  returning  from  a  meeting,  1  spoke 
to  him  of  some  of  the  proceedings  and  sentiments  advanc- 
ed, which  I  could  not  approbate.  In  the  most  kind  and 
tender  manner  he  called  my  attention  from  that  subject  to 
the  glorified  spirits  around  the  throne  of  God.  He  said 
he  had  been  thinking  all  the  evening  of  those  white  robes 


400  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

Jesus  Christ  would  give  to  all  who  were  washed  and  puri- 
fied in  his  blood.  He  longed,  he  said,  to  be  clothed  in  that 
white  robe  which  would  never  be  stained  or  spotted  with 
sin.  His  soul  seemed  to  be  full  of  God  and  heaven,  and 
he  had  evidently  been  drinking  deeply  at  that  fountain 
which  flows  from  the  throne  of  God.  Finally,  our  dear 
brother's  worth  and  christian  character  never  was  appre- 
ciated but  by  few  of  his  christian  friends ;  but  there  are 
some  hearts  that  will  ever  beat  with  thrilling  emotion 
when  the  name  of  M'Dowall  is  mentioned. 

"  Thou  art  gone  to  the  grave,  but  w6  will  not  deplore  thee, 
*'  Though  sorrows  and  darkness  encompass  the  tomb  : 
"  The  Savior  has  passed  through  its  portals  before  thee, 
•'  And  the  lamp  of  his  love  was  thy  guide  through  the  gloorn." 

"Blessed  are  the  dead  that  die  in  the  Lord."  It  may 
truly  be  said  of  our  departed  brother,  that  by  his  testimony 
for  the  Lord  Jesus  when  livir]g,  "  he  being  dead,  yet  speak- 
eth."  Who  will  now  stand  in  the  gap  ?  Who  will  now 
build  up  the  wall,  the  foundation  of  which  God  laid  by 
M'Dowall?  Who  is  worthy  to  do  this  great  work?  He 
that  is  of  clean  hands  and  a  pure  heart — that  escheweth 
evil,  and  worketh  righteousness ;  he  that  will  not  daub 
with  untempered  mortar.  No  man  can  carry  up  the  wall 
commenced  by  M'Dowall,  but  he  who  is  willing  to  be 
called  the  filth  and  offscouring  of  the  world — who  will 
make  himself  of  "  no  reputation," — but  he  who  despises  the 
pomp,  the  show,  and  the  popular  applause  of  men ;  he 
who  is  willing  to  throw  off  the  white-wash  covering  of 
nominal  professors,  and  stand  forth  arrayed  in  all  the  pano- 
ply of  heaven. 

J W . 

From    C. 

During  the  time  in  which  Mr.  and  Mrs.  M'Dowall  had 
charge  of  the  Institution  in  Mott-street,  I  was  appointed  to 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  401 

preside  over  the  temporal  wants  of  said  institution,  which 
office  led  me  often  to  the  house,  and  gave  me  opportunity  of 
understanding  the  management,  of  which  the  society  oft- 
times  expressed  their  entire  approbation.  Their  attentive 
and  self-denying  labors  were  evidently  attended  with  the 
blessing  of  God. 

Mr,  M'Dowall  was  convinced  that  to  have  the  charge 
of  such  an  institution  was  not  the  labor  designed  for  him, 
and  after  remaining  about  six  months  over  it,  he  retired. 

Shortly  after  their  retiring  from  that  house,  evil  surmis- 
ings  respecting  the  integrity  of  Mr.  M'Dowall  while  hav- 
ing the  charge  of  that  institution,  and  likewise  respecting 
his  labors  previous  to  that,  were  whispered  around  the  city, 
by  those  who  had  long-  known  the  honesty  and  upright 
principles  of  his  heart. 

Incredible  as  they  then  appeared,  they  soon  acquired  an 
extensive  circulation.  Mr.  M'Dowall  took  a  missionary 
tour  through  the  country,  and  found  emissaries  had  gone 
before  him,  under  the  garb  o[  Christian,  and  sanctity,  and 
Reverend,  and  strewed  his  pathway  with  those  very  reports 
with  which  he  had  been  constantly  assailed  at  home ;  feel- 
ing that  his  usefulness  was  destroyed,  he  returned  home 
sick  at  heart,  his  soul  sunk  in  despondency,  waiting  for  the 
Lord  to  direct  his  next  movements.  A  voice  was  heard 
through  the  land  demanding  an  explanation.  He  attempted 
it,  and  was  taken  before  the  Presbytery. 

The  spirit  which  was  manifested  towards  him  by  that 
body,  and  the  humility  and  meekness  with  which  he  re- 
ceived it,  enlisted  my  mind,  and  I  attended  most  of  the  time 
during  their  sitting. 

His  mind  was  of  a  peculiar  sensitive  cast,  and  the  great 
persecutions  which  he  was  suffering  at  this  time  prostrated 
his  nervous  system.  He  found  himself  utterly  incompe- 
tent to  stand  the  contest  alone  with  such  a  numerous  host. 
Neither  was  time  given  him  to  make  preparations  and  col- 
lect his  whnesses,  and  in  the  early  part  of  the  session  he 
34* 


402  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

was  forced  to  withdraw.  None  but  an  eye  and  ear  witness 
could  realize  the  spirit  which  was  manifested  towards  him 
at  this  time,  and  the  amount  of  persecution  he  received, 
which  truly  was  of  that  kind  which  tries  the  soul.  This 
was  a  day  of  darkness  unto  him.  His  friends  were  appa- 
rently few,  most  of  whom  stood  aloof ;  his  confidence  had 
been  so  often  betrayed,  that  he  felt  fearful  lest  he  should 
meet  other  treacherous  foes.  His  pecuniary  means  were 
limited;  the  few  friends  who  gathered  around  him  endea- 
vored to  administer  to  his  necessities.  The  plainness  of  his 
dress  and  simplicity  of  manners  had  been  spoken  of  as  being 
to  his  disadvantage.  His  family  became  destitute  of  fuel  in 
the  winter,  when  wood  and  coal  were  extravagantly  high 
and  scarce,  and  the  weather  intensely  cold  ;  a  widow  lady 
gave  them  wood  and  coal  from  her  own  winter's  supply, 
by  which  they  were  provided  some  time — much  of  it  he 
carried  home  with  his  own  hands.  This  was  the  time  in 
which  the  Presbytery  were  sitting  in  judgment  over  him. 
Different  denominations  of  Christians,  whose  interests  were 
not  attached  to  his  character,  assisted  him.  The  Lord 
opened  the  hearts  of  some  near  relatives  of  those  his  per- 
secuters,  who  manifested  their  respect  for  him,  by  furnish- 
ing him,  at  different  times,  with  some  necessary  comforts. 

Mr.  M' Do  wall  being  a  near  neighbor,  I  was  witness  to 
his  daily  conduct  during  the  session  of  the  Presbytery,  and 
present  when  the  testimony  of  the  witnesses  was  spread 
before  him :  he  expressed  great  surprise,  and  appeared  un- 
willing to  believe  they  could  ever  have  taken  such  a  course  ; 
he  mildly  exclaimed, 

*'  I  pity  them  from  the  bottom  of  my  soul !  There  must 
be  DEEP  repentance  !   I  pray  the  Lord  to  forgive  them  I" 

I  oft  times  heard  such  exclamations  pass  from  his  lips. 
He  always  manifested  great  mildness  of  spirit  during  the 
time  he  was  laboring  under  this  severe  affliction  ;  sleep  de- 
parted from  him;  he  lost  the  relish  for  food  ;  his  strength 
failed  him  ;  he  became  prostrate,  and  was  unable  to  sit  up ; 


REV.  JOHN  R.  m'dowall.  403 

the  tender  sympathies  of  his  kind  companion  oft  times 
passed  unheeded;  at  times  strength  revived;  necessity 
prompted  him  onward  to  duty,  and  constrained  him  to  per- 
severe in  his  defence. 

There  was  that  in  his  character  which  precluded  him 
from  ever  expressing  or  dwelling  upon  any  unkind  treat- 
ment he  received  from  his  brethren,  or  injustice  from  pro- 
fessors of  religion,  until  imperious  necessity  demanded  the 
explanation. 

I  was  present  when  the  Presbytery  imposed  silence  upon 
his  lips,  and  the  doors  of  the  pulpit  closed  against  him. 
That  evening  I  called  at  his  house ;  he  had  laid  down  to 
get  a  little  repose,  having  a  violent  pain  in  the  head  ;  he 
was  called;  he  came  into  the  room,  his  handkerchief  tied 
about  his  head,  his  face  pale  and  emaciated:  when  the  in- 
telligence was  communicated  to  him  he  uttered  not  a  word  • 
his  countenance  bespoke  agony  of  soul !  ! — anguish  untold 
and  unexpreJjed !  although  he  had  respect  to  the  decision 
of  an  earthly  tribunal.  The  v/ound  he  felt  so  deep  in  his 
heart  was  to  the  cause  he  so  much  loved  ;  he  felt  his  cha- 
racter was  so  nearly  allied  to  that  cause,  they  could  not  be 
separated.  This  was  a  time  of  great  excitement  and  dis- 
tress;* a  icail  was  heard  through  the  land,  calling  upon 
the  wise  and  good  to  gird  on  their  armor  and  come  forth 
against  this  destroyer,  traveling  onward  in  his  might,  con- 
quering and  to  conquer,  slaying  beneath  his  tread  the  glory 
and  beauty  of  our  world. 

During  the  session  of  the  Presbytery,  the  season  of  the 
year  when  changes  which  always  take  place  on  the  first 
of  May  were  approaching,  it  became  necessary  for  Mr. 
M'Dowall  to  seek  other  apartments  for  his  family.  He 
had  not  the  means  to  take  upon  himself  the  responsibility 
of  a  rent ;  provided  he  even  had  the  means,  many  good 
people  would  have  been  afraid  to  receive  him  into  their 

»  Reference  to  the  case  of  R.  P.  Robinson,  the  supposed  murderer. 


404  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

houses  while  resting  under  such  a  cloud  of  censure  and 
persecution. 

Early  one  morning  I  met  him  at  my  door ;  with  a  dis- 
consolate air  he  thus  addressed  me ; 

*'  Madam,  I  am  sorry  to  give  you  trouble  by  asking  a 
special  favor.  Mrs.  M'Dowall  feels  extremely  anxious  to 
know  where  we  can  find  a  home,  and  desired  me  to  call 
on  you  and  ask  the  privilege  of  rooms  in  your  house  for  a 
few  weeks,  till  we  can  be  able  to  make  other  arrange- 
ments," adding  at  the  same  time,  "  she  will  gladly  com- 
pensate you  if  she  should  ever  have  the  means." 

I  hastened  to  relieve  his  anxiety  by  telling  him  my 
doors  were  freely  and  gratuitously  open  to  him  whenever 
he  needed  a  home.  My  answer  appeared  to  afford  great 
relief  to  his  mind.  He  thanked  me,  and  turned  away  with 
a  smile  of  cheerfulness.  Shortly  after  which  they  moved 
into  my  house,  and  remained  until  his  family  were  pre- 
pared to  go  in  the  country.  During  the  early  part  of  the 
time  he  remained  with  us  he  was  deeply  engaged  in  ex- 
amining the  rules  of  the  Presbyterian  church  discipline, 
to  ascertain  whether  he  had  acted  according  to  their  Con- 
stitution;  after  which  he  took  up  Henry's  Commentary 
on  the  New  Testament,  which  he  examined  with  care- 
fulness. He  labored  to  understand  his  duty,  not  only  for 
the  past,  but  for  his  future  proceedings. 

He  had  made  an  appeal  to  the  Synod,  yet  hesitated 
whether  to  proceed  and  engross  the  time  of  so  many 
ministers.  It  appeared  then  to  be  his  duty  to  publish  his 
trial,  that  the  world  might  understand  all  the  accusations 
brought  against  him. 

About  this  time  he  received  several  letters  of  consola- 
tion from  ministers  and  christians  in  the  country,  enclos- 
ing donations.  While  he  was  preparing  to  publish  some 
extracts,  he  was  requested  to  publish  all  of  the  one  receiv- 
ed from  the  Rev.  Fayette  Shipherd,  a  Presbyterian  minister 
in  Walton,  New- York.    He  apparently  consented  :  while 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOV/ALL.  405 

reviewing  it  minutely,  he  was  observed  with  his  pencil 
striking  out  some  portion  of  it;  on  being  asked  what  part 
he  was  dashing  out,  he  replied,  "  This,"  reading  thus : 

" 1  calculate  that  your  history  is  well  written  in 

Rev.  11  :  3-12.  Yes;  while  the  gifts  are  passing  from 
one  to  another,  and  the  lewd  are  making  merry,  you  and 
your  character  m.ay  arise  as  from  the  dead,  to  approve 
yourself  and  works,  pure  as  the  principles  for  which  you 
plead  ;  and  then,  amid  the  consolations  and  triumphs  pe- 
culiar to  a  death-scene  as  it  closes  a  life  devoted  to  virtue 
in  its  highest  services,  you  may  yet  ascend  to  heaven." 

On  being  asked  why  he  left  out  that  sentence,  he  replied, 

"  Because  it  looks  too  much  like  boasting."  The  request, 
on  being  pressed  still  further  as  a  duty  he  owed  to  himself 
and  friends,  to  publish  that  letter  entire,  he  reluctantly 
consented  to. 

His  character  was  uncommunicative — a  propensity  not 
to  express  the  varied  feelings  of  his  mind  ;  only  those  who 
were  privileged  with  his  particular  acquaintance  could 
appreciate  his  worth  or  know  the  amount  of  his  suffer- 
ings. Having  this  uncommunicative  character,  many  of 
the  injuries  he  received,  and  much  of  his  sufferings,  were 
never  exposed.  He  was  very  unassuming,  and  exceedingly 
modest  in  all  his  deportment  and  conversation. 

The  natural  benevolence  of  his  heart  rendered  him  pe- 
culiarly susceptible  to  the  sufferings  and  miseries  of  others ; 
he  would  at  any  time  have  given  his  last  sixpence  even  to 
an  enemy,  provided  he  knew  he  were  in  need.  His  faults, 
if  faults  he  had,  were  on  virtue's  side.  He  would  undergo 
any  sufferings  or  deprivations  if  he  thereby  could  benefit 
others. 

During  his  stay  with  us,  he  was  in  spirit  like  a  *'  little 
child,^'  and  fearful  of  making  trouble.  His  health  appeared 
to  be  sinking.  He  complained  much  of  his  head,  andat  times 
of  being  unable  to  write  or  study  ;!his  countenance  oft  times 
assumed  a  deadly  paleness ;  he  would  cast  himself  upon 


406  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

his  bed ;  on  being  aslied  what  was  the  matter,  he  would  re- 
ply that  his  troubles  had  overcome  him.  One  day,  being 
more  than  usually  unwell,  he  was  obliged  to  take  his  bed 
and  receive  medicine,  after  which  he  obtained  temporary 
relief.  He  arose  from  the  bed  and  abruptly  left  the  room  ; 
after  the  absence  of  an  hour  he  returned  exhausted  and 
prostrate,  and  again  took  his  bed.  After  a  short  rest,  he  cast 
his  eyes  upward,  as  if  fixed  on  some  high  and  important 
subject,  apparently  in  deep  meditation  ;  he  soon  observed 
he  had  just  been  down  to  the  ship  and  learned  that  he 
could  have  a  passage  to  Liverpool  in  the  lower  deck  for 
fifteen  dollars. 

As  he  had  pursued  his  labors,  he  saw  that  the  vices  of 
the  old  world  were  overspreading  the  new,  and  that  every 
effort  to  purify  our  country  would  be  unavailing,  unless 
the  feelings  of  the  good  on  the  other  side  of  the  globe  could 
become  awakened,  and  enlisted  in  this  great  work,  to  roll 
back  that  tide  of  iniquity  which  was  coming  in  and  over- 
whelming this  our  land.  He  saw  a  vast  field  spread  be- 
fore him  white  for  the  harvest,  and  no  laborer  to  enter  it. 
As  these  impressions  were  resting  upon  his  mind,  his  soul 
was  on  the  wing  to  enter  that  great  field,  forgetful  of  his 
persecutions,  insensible  to  the  weakness  of  his  body,  regard- 
less of  the  manner  he  went. 

Sunday  mornings  he  was  seen  bending  his  way  towards 
the  docks,  where  sailors  had  congregated  together  to  spend 
the  day  in  idleness  and  sin.  The  ship  cabin-doors  were 
thrown  open  to  receive  him,  and  there  he  would  pray  with 
and  exhort  them  till  his  strength  was  exhausted.  Mean- 
while the  sailors  would  gather  around  him,  and  listen  with 
profound  attention :  some  would  even  climb  up  the  mast 
to  hear  and  see  him.  He  would  return,  take  a  little  rest, 
then  go  another  direction,  where  other  similar  companies 
resorted.  The  latter  part  of  the  time  he  tarried  with  us 
his  mind  appeared  to  be  concentrated  upon  the  Bible,  for 
which  he  laid  aside  all  other  books,  and  made  his  Bible  a 


REV<    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  407 

sabject  of  careful  research.  The  time  being  arrived  in 
which  they  had  made  arrangements  to  take  their  depar- 
ture, with  deep  emotion  he  expressed  the  gratitude  of  his 
heart,  while  he  brushed  the  tear  from  his  eye. 

I  would  not  allow  him  to  thank  me.  I  felt  mine  was 
the  greatest  favor,  notonlj?-  in  having  a  good  man's  prayers, 
but  I  was  greatly  honored  of  the  Lord  in  being  per- 
mitted to  afford  him  consolation,  and  not  left  to  persecute 
him.  After  an  absence  of  a  few  weeks  they  made  us  a 
visit.  His  mind  appeared  to  rest  on  its  being  a  duty  to 
carry  up  his  appeal  before  the  Synod ;  and  he  observed 
that  his  "  Savior  had  been  condemned  by  an  ecclesiastical 
court,  and  he  prayed  that  he  might  be  enabled  to  manifest 
the  spirit  of  that  divine  Master."  His  mind  had  now  gained 
much  composure  and  spirituality.  In  prayer  his  spirit 
appeared  greatly  enlarged.  Before  evening-prayer  he  read 
the  51st  Psalm.  Each  sentence  was  uttered  in  tones  of 
deep  feeling,  particularly  the  6th  and  7th  verses,  "  Behold, 
thou  desirest  truth  in  the  INWARD  parts,  and  in  the 
HIDDEN  parts.   Thou  shalt  make  me  to  know  wisdom." 

The  manner  of  his  expressing  those  words  have  given 
them  a  lasting  impression  on  my  memory.  He  arose  early 
next  morning,  took  the  Bible,  and  retired  into  a  room 
alone,  and  there  remained  several  hours.  At  the  opening 
of  his  appeal  before  the  Synod,  he  was  called  upon  to  say 
whether  he  had  any  one  to  assist  him.  With  a  faltering 
voice  he  replied, 

'''  I  stand  alone ;   my  hell)  is  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.^'' 

After  the  final  decision  of  the  Synod  a  friend  called. 
He  lay  in  a  calm  slumber:  he  awoke.  Inquiry  being 
made  whether  he  desired  to  hear  the  result,  he  replied, 

"  My  strength  failed  me  yesterday.  I  was  forced  to  re- 
tire before  I  half  finished  ray  speech.  I  committed  my 
case  to  the  Lord.    I  have  nothing  more  to  do  with  it." 

About  ten  days  previous  to  his  last  illness  I  visited 
his  family.  He  entered  the  room,  took  his  Bible,  and  re- 
marked thus; 


408  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

"  I  feel  the  time  has  come  when  the  Bible  must  be  car- 
ried to  the  uttermost  corners  of  the  earth,  and  speedily 
too  ;  not  only  carried,  but  it  must  be  read — read  fully  and 
carefully,  and  impressed  upon  the  conscience.  The  mind 
must  be  enlightened  and  the  heart  imbued  with  its  pre- 
cepts, until  it  becomes  the  law  of  the  mind,  and  controls 
the  secret  actions.  I  want  every  christian  to  go  to  work, 
and  extend  his  influence,  until  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord 
covers  the  earth  as  the  waters  cover  the  sea.  This  can  be 
done.  Let  every  heart  become  a  reformer,  and  every  fami- 
ly a  society.  When  this  is  attained,  the  great  object  of 
moral  reform  will  be  accomplished.  Till  this  is  done,  the 
little  societies  formed  here  and  there  will,  as  it  were,  avail 
nothing.  The  minds  of  the  children  must  be  enlightened." 

To  the  writer  he  says,  "  I  have  a  work  for  you  to  do. 
1  want  you  to  spend  an  hour  every  day,  and  visit  the 
schools,  and  impress  upon  the  minds  of  teachers  their 
duty  in  reading  the  Bible  and  instructing  the  children." 

His  countenance  w^as  very  pale.  At  tea  he  observed 
that  he  could  not  relish  food.  He  soon  opened  his  Bible, 
which  he  had  not  laid  aside.    He  says, 

"  Here  is  the  first  chapter  of  John.  Here,  read  John's 
testimony  of  Christ." 

He  spake  with  great  earnestness ;  and  as  I  read  I  saw 
the  efficiency  of  John's  testimony  of  Christ,  never  before 
realized.    After  reading,  a  prayer  was  made. 

He  then  addressed  himself  to  a  lady*  (who  was  pre- 
sent at  the  time,  and  who  had  spent  a  large  portion  of  her 
time  and  money  in  the  formation  of  Tract  societies  in  dif- 
ferent parts  of  the  country,  and  in  the  distribution  of  Tracts.) 
He  says,  "  The  Bible  has  been  laid  aside  for  Tracts  and 
other  books  and  papers ;  the  time  has  come  when  they 
shall  give  place  to  the  Bible."  Let  the  Tract  distributers 
be  holy  men ;  let  them  select  appropriate  passages  of  Scrip- 
ture, and,  with  their  Bible  in  hand,  visit  from  house  to 

*  This  Lady  has  since  laid  aside  Tracts,  takes  to  Bibles,  visits 
families  with  '*  Thus  caith  the  Lord:'' 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  409 

liouse,  and  read,  with  prayer.  This  will  be  the  best  way 
to  accomplish  moral  reform.  The  next  interview  I  had 
with  him,  he  was  cast  on  a  bed  of  pain  and  distress;  his 
voice  could  not  be  heard  above  a  w^hisper,  although  he 
had  not  been  sick  over  four  days.  He  requested  me  to 
read  a  portion  of  Scripture  :  I  read  the  sufferings  of  Christ: 
after  which  he  desired  pray.ers,  that  more  clear  views 
might  be  given  him ;  at  the  close  of  every  sentence  he 
breathed  the  spirit  of  prayer.  The  last  request  I  received 
from  him,  and  the  last  words  were,  "  Pray  for  me." 

When  the  message  came  that  he  must  soon  take  his 
departure,  I  hastened  to  his  room;  after  which  he  breathed 
about  thirty  minutes.  " 

He  lay  with  his  eyes  fixed  upwards — his  hands  upon 
his  breast — not  a  struggle  or  a  groan  escaped  him.  The 
dark  shade  of  Death  which  lingered  on  his  countenance, 
forced  upon  me  the  recollection  of  past  scenes  ! ! 

After  his  spirit  had  left  its  tenement,  while  the  few 
friends  who  had  gathered  around  him  sat  in  silent  grief; 
it  appeared  that  but  a  thin  veil  separated  us  from  the  an- 
gelic host  with  whom  his  pure  spirit  had  mingled,  and 
\vho  were  still  waiting  to  afford  consolation  and  strength 
to  his  bereaved  friends. 

It  seemed  like  *\sitti?ig  in  green  pastures  by  the  side  of 
still  waters^ 

This  death-scene  led  the  soul  to  the  very  gate  o(  heaven. 

When  the  undertaker  appeared,  and  we  had  retired  to 
another  room,  and  his  dear  bereaved  (at  a  particular  re- 
quest) gave  a  sketch  of  the  wonderful  manner  in  which 
the  Lord  had  manifested  himself  to  his  soul,  all  were  con- 
strained to  join  "  Let  the  people  praise  thee,  O  God — yea, 
let  all  the  people  praise  theeJ^ 

When  we  returned  to  take  the  last  look,  how  changed! 
That  visage  which  for  months  had  indicated  agony  un 
pressed  and  uncommunicated,  now  shone  like  the  morn- 
ing star  before  the  rising  of  the  sun  ! 
35 


410  MEMOIR    OF    THS 

We  seemed,  in  vision,  to  lift  the  veil  and  behold  the 
heavenly  train  bearing  him  triumphant  to  their  King-- — 
to  hear  him  shout  victory  !  to  see  his  Savior  wreath 
his  brow  with  the  martyr'' s  crown  ;  and  to  hear  a  "  host  " 
proclaim  him  "  captain."  Yours, 

.Yeio-York,  Feb.  21  sL  1837. 


SKETCHES  BY  WILLIAM  GOODELL. 

m'dOWALL    in    RHODE    ISLAND. — ■TH3E  FIELD  AND    THi: 
CULTURE. 

It  was,  I  think,  some  time  in  the  year  1828,  that  1  firsi 
became  acquainted  with  Rev.  J.  R.  M'Dowall.  I  was- 
then  living  in  Providence,  R.  I.  and  Mr.  M'Dowall  came 
among  us  in  the  capacity  of  Agent  for  the  American  Tract 
Society.  With  the  exception  of  some  active  christians  in 
Providence,  and  perhaps  one  or  two  other  populous  towns 
that  were  peopled,  in  a  good  measure,  by  recent  emigrants 
from  other  parts  of  New  England;  the  inhabitants  of  Rhode 
Island  in  general,  including  the  pious  and  exemplary  mem- 
bers of  the  churches  of  different  sects,  were,  at  that  period, 
very  far  from  regarding  with  any  great  favor  or  interest,  the 
then  novel,  unpopular,  and  exciting  enterprises  of  Bible, 
Tract,  Missionary,  and  Sabbath  School  Societies.  Along 
with  their  own  more  enlarged  and  accurate  views  of  reli' 
gious  freedom,  which  distinguished  these  descendants  and 
successors  of  Roger  Williams,  and  for  the  advocacy 
of  which  they  had  been  unjustly  stigmatized  by  their 
christian  brethren  and  neighbors  as  semi-barbarous  and 
heathen ;  the  Rhode  Island  christians,  in  return,  had  im- 
bibed an  almost  instinctive  and  insuperable  jealousy  and 
distrust  of  all  benevolent  and  Christian  efibrts  attempted 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'doWALL.  411 

to  be  introduced  among  them  from  abroad.     They  regard- 
ed themselves  as  refugees  from  the  Ecclesiastical  oppres- 
sions of  Massachusetts.     They  remembered  the  persecu- 
lions  of  their  brethren  in  Connecticut,  during  the  legisla- 
tive usurpations  resorted  to  for  the  enforcement  of  the 
Ecclesiastical    Constitution,  commonly  denominated  the 
Saybrook  Platform.    The  political  and  irreligious  presses 
of  this  period  in  Rhode  Island  were  taking  advantage  of 
this  condition  of  things  to  widen  the  breach  between  the 
Christians  of  Rhode  Island  and  those  of  the  neighboring ' 
States;  and  thus  prevent  the  Agents  of  Missionary,  Bible, 
Tract,  and  Sabbath  School  Associations  from  making  any 
successful  inroads  into  the  territory  of  Roger  Williams. 
These  Agents  were  represented  as  "foreign  emissaries' 
sent  to  spy  out  and  subvert  the  liberties  of  the  people  of 
the  state.     The  despotic  doctrines  and  the  prescriptive 
practices  of  the  dominant  clergy  of  the  adjoining  states,  of 
a  former  period,  were  constantly  kept  in  sight ;  and  the 
imprudent  and   unfounded    aspersions  of  Rhode  Island 
which  had  fallen  from  the  pen  of  the  late  Rev.  Dr.  Morse, 
and  other  conservative  zealots  of  that  stamp,  were  unceas- 
ingly quoted  to  prove  that  the  great  Associations  originat- 
ing out  of  Rhode  Island  were  hostile  to  the  free  principles 
she  cherished. 

About  the  same  time,  too,  the  calumnies  which  assailed 
the  Sandwich  Island  Missionaries  every  where,  were  as 
loud  and  as  confident,  and  nearly  as  much  listened  to,  by 
professors  of  religion  throughout  the  country,  as  the  simi- 
lar complaints  and  slanders  against  the  assailants  of  Ameri- 
can heathenism  and  licentiousness  have  since  been.  In- 
deed the  rage  of  the  impure  and  the  vicious  in  our  land 
(as  though  they  foresaw  what  was  shortly  to  be  attempted 
in  America)  was  almost  as  virulent  and  as  clamorous 
when  Christianity  attacked  American  and  European  de- 
bauchery in  the  Islands  of  the  Pacific,  as  when  it  after- 
wards brought  the  war  home  upon  them,  in  the  more 


412  MEMOIRS    OF    THE 

Strongly  intrenched  and  fortified  citadels  of  our  own  popu- 
lous cities.  Tlie  popular  presses  in  Rhode  Island  were- 
alive  with  these  topics.  Every  man  who  attempted  to  in- 
troduce any  moral  or  religious  innovation,  was  set  down 
as  a  conspirator  against  the  public  peace  and  welfare.  Sab- 
bath Schools  were  a  device  not  exactly  for  dividing  the 
Union,  but  for  uniting  Church  and  State,  The  Tracts  of 
the  American  Tract  Society  were  incendiary  publications. 
Domestic  missionaries,  especially  from  other  States,  were 
impertinent  intermeddlers  who  deserved  a  coat  of  tar  and 
feathers  for  slandering  the  state,  and  meddling  with  things 
that  did  not  concern  them.  No  epithets  of  indignation  or 
of  contempt  were  deemed  extravagant,  if  applied  to  a  tem- 
perance newspaper  or  a  temperance  agent,  and  a  volley  of 
broken  rum-bottles,  if  not  of  rotten  eggs,  was  the  expected 
accompaniment  of  a  Temperance  meeting. 

The  name  of  Artkisr  Tappan,  cm  account  of  its  connec- 
tion with  the  Missionary  enterprise,  was  a  theme  of  as 
general  and  as  scurrilous  abuse  then,  as  it  ever  has  been, 
at  any  subsequent  period  on  other  grounds. 

Such  was  the  peculiar  condition  of  things  in  Rhode 
Island,  and  such  were  the  general  moral  aspects  of  the 
country  at  large,  when  M' Do  wall  first  entered  upon  his 
duties  in  that  State,  as  the  agent  of  the  American  Tract 
Society.  He  was  young ;  and  he  was  a  stranger.  He 
was  undertaking  to  cultivate  a  soil  which  had  proved  too- 
Tugged  for  older  and  more  experienced  husbandmen — a 
field  from  which  veteran  soldiers  of  the  cross  had  retired 
in  despondency,  and  almost  given  up  in  despair.  A  few 
individuals  favored  his  enterprise,  and  locked  with  anxiety 
for  the  result.  But  it  was  not  long  before  they  were 
convinced  that  the  Lord  of  the  vineyard  had  at  length 
raised  up  for  them  a  laborer,  imbued  deeply  with  the  spi- 
rit of  the  station  assigned  him,  and  eminently  gifted  with 
his  own  heavenly  wisdom  and  skill.  I  regret  the  want 
of  time  and  ability  to  relate  the  progress  and  success  oX 


RET.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  418 

his  labors  in  detail ;  but  I  am  sure  I  shall  be  sustained 
by  the  testimony  of  a  cloud  of  witnesses  in  Rhode  Island, 
when  I  say  that  M'Dowall  v/as  the  first  adventurer  from 
abroad  who  won  the  confidence  of  the  people  in  general, 
and  disarmed  their  prejudices,  and  triumphed  over  the  op- 
position which  had  uniformly  baffled,  to  a  great  extent,  if 
not  wholly,  the  efforts  of  his  predecessors.  He  was  cor- 
dially received  by  the  active  and  pious  of  all  sects — he 
was  respected  by  all  classes — he  was  welcomed,  in  an  es- 
pecial manner,  by  the  destitute,  the  despised,  the  neglected, 
and  the  poor.  No  one  could  charge  him  with  a  sectarian 
spirit.  He  identified  himself  with  the  people  among  whom 
he  labored.  Plain  in  his  dress ;  simple,  affable,  and  truly 
courteous  in  his  manners ;  sitting  down  as  though  at 
home,  at  the  coarse  meals  and  rustic  firesides  of  the  com- 
mon farmers  and  poorer  people ;  assuming  no  airs  of  learned 
arrogancy;  betraying  no  consciousness  of  belonging  to  a 
superior  caste  :  affecting  no  princeh'- condescension;  evinc- 
ing, by  his  untiring  industry,  that  he  was  himself  a  work- 
ing man  ;  traveling  on  foot,  or  in  the  rudest  and  cheapest 
style  of  conveyance  that  the  country  people  were  accus- 
tomed to  use  themselves — the  mission  of  M'Dowall  con- 
trasted in  a  striking  and  favorable  manner  with  some  ex- 
hibitions that  had  been  v.'itnessed  in  that  region,  and,  I  fear, 
in  other  portions  of  the  country.  The  people  of  Rhode 
Island  found  in  him  a  man  after  their  own  heart.  The 
most  virulent  opposer  could  not  stigmatize  him  as  a  "  proud 
or  hireling  priest."  His  benevolent  self-denial  was  known 
and  acknowledged  by  all  men.  Addressing  himself  to 
the  consciences  and  the  reason  of  those  with  whom  he 
conversed,  and  mainly  anxious  that  they  should  examine 
and  think  for  themselves,  and  act  as  rational  and  moral  be- 
ings in  view  of  their  own  individual  accountability — in- 
sisting much,  as  he  then  did,  upon  the  duty  afterwards  in- 
culcated as  his  dying  motto,  "  Read  the  Bible  ihrou^h^ 
''Study  and  understand  it  all,  for  yourself,  and  not  on 
35* 


414  BIEMOIR    OF   THE 

hearsay,  from  another  ;"  it  was  almost  impossible  that  the 
people  of  Rhode  Island  should  not  have  been  disarmed  of 
the  suspicion  that  he  came  among  them  to  rivet  fetters  upon 
their  consciences,  or  cheat  them  out  of  the  liberty  of  the 
Gospel.  The  secret  of  his  extraordinary  success  1  do  not 
take  to  have  been  so  much  any  peculiar  sagacity  or  his- 
torical knowledge,  which  enabled  him  to  appreciate  the 
peculiarities  of  the  people  of  that  region,  and  led  him.  to 
shape  his  course  in  particular  reference  to  their  condition, 
as  it  was  the  result  of  his  own  settled  temper  of  heart  and 
habit  of  thinking  and  acting.  He  did  in  Rhode  Island 
as  he  would  have  done  any  where  else,  and  as  his  Divine 
Master  was  in  the  habit  of  doing  when  he  tabernacled  in 
flesh,  and  went  about  doing  good  ;  and  of  whom  it  is  re* 
corded,  the  common  people  heard  him  gladly. 

m'dOWALL    in  NEW-YORK. 

About  the  close  of  the  year  1828  I  removed  from  Pro 
vidence  to  Boston,  and  do  not  recollect  to  have  known 
any  thing  more  of  M'Dowall  until  I  took  up  my  residence 
in  New- York,  in  1830.  In  the  summer  of  that  year  I 
found  he  was  laboring  among  the  degraded  and  vicious 
population  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  Five  Points.  The 
first  information  I  recollect  to  have  received  distinctly  of 
his  efforts  in  behalf  of  abandoned  females,  was  contained 
in  some  communications  from  his  pen,  which  appeared  in 
the  "  Genius  of  Temperance,"  (with  which  publication  I 
was  connected,)  in  the  autumn  of  the  same  year.  Those 
articles  produced  some  excitement,  and  elicited  some  op- 
position. A  large  portion,  however  of  the  subscribers 
of  that  Journal,  were  interested,  and  enlisted  in  the  en- 
terprise. 

To  give  a  full  history  of  my  acquaintance  with  Mr. 
M'Dowall  and  his  labors  after  the  period  last  mentioned, 
would  be  to  repeat  a  considerable  portion  of  what  the  reader 


REV.    JOHN    R,    M  DOWALL.  415 

will  no  doubt  find  presented  by  other  hands  in  the  course 
of  this  Book  of  Memoirs  for  which  this  article  is  prepared, 
I  shall  briefly  allude,  therefore,  to  a  few  particulars  of  the 
narrative. 

IMPORTANT    PERIODS-^A    CLUE    TO    THE    SUBSEQUENT 
DIFFICULTIES. 

1.  It  was  a  trying  tijne  for  Mr.  M'Dowall,  when  so 
many  of  those  who  had  commenced  laboring  in  the  cause 
of  Moral  Reform,  and  stood  by  his  side,  were  so  far  over- 
borne by  popular  clamor  as  to  give  over  their  efforts  soon 
after  the  opposition  elicited  by  the  Magdalen  Report.  He 
felt  it  his  duty  to  go  forward,  though  he  should  be  compell- 
ed to  go  alone.  I  have  never  doubted  that  his  decision 
was  correct,  though  I  readily  foresaw  something  of  the 
difficulties  he  would  be  called  to  encounter.  And  I  have 
never  ceased  to  regret  that  good  men,  who,  until  that  time, 
had  given  to  the  enterprise  the  full  share  of  attention  which 
its  importance  demands,  were  induced  to  withdraw  from 
that  effort,  and  thus  weaken  the  hands  of  one  who,  aided 
by  their  countenance  and  support,  might  have  been  able 
to  stem  the  current,  and  roll  back  the  tide  of  persecution 
that,  at  length,  overwhelmed  him.  Those  who  abandon 
any  benevolent  enterprise^  themselves,  however  conscien- 
tious they  may  be  in  the  decision  to  do  so,  are  seldom,  if 
ever,  in  a  position  afterwards  to  appreciate  the  measures 
of  those,  who,  making  the  opposite  decision,  resolve,  at  all 
hazards,  to  persevere  in  their  work.  I  think  it  important 
to  notice  carefully  this  period  of  Mr.  M'Dowall's  history, 
not  only  for  the  purpose  of  observing  how  far,  in  his  resolu- 
tion, his  perseverance,  and  his  courage,  he  exceeded  most 
good  men,  but  as  furnishing  an  easy  solution  to  the  natural 
inquiry,  why  such  a  man,  in  such  an  enterprise,  should 
have  received  so  little  support  and  assistance  from  men 
who  usually  abound  in  every  good  work.    When  an  army 


416  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

is  once  routed  and  commence  a  retreat,  it  is  not  easy  to 
rally  them  again  to  the  rescue.  The  policy  of  bending  to 
the  blast,  and  waiting  till  the  excitement  is  over,  is  a  suici- 
dal policy,  by  which  reformers  cut  the  life-strings  of  their 
own  energies.  But  for  this  fatal  misstep,  the  enterprise  in 
which  the  Magdalen  Society  had  engaged  might  have 
stood,  I  have  no  doubt,  on  as  high  a  vantage  ground,  at 
the  present  time,  as  the  Temperance  Reformation,  or  the 
cause  of  Human  Rights. 

2.  Another  turning  point  and  instructive  period  of  the 
history  of  M'Dowall,  was  the  publication  of  his  "  Magda- 
len Facts."  This  pamphlet  was  sent  to  all  the  editors 
of  newspapers  on  the  exchange  list  of  the  "  Genius  of 
Temperance,"  including  most  of  the  religious  periodicals 
of  the  country  of  different  sects,  and  which,  at  that  period, 
were  more  numerous  in  the  interior  of  the  country  than 
they  are  at  present.  I  was  at  some  pains  to  collect  together 
the  notices  which  these  editors  wrote  of  the  Magdalen 
Facts  of  M'Dowall;  and  I  think  I  have  the  means  of 
making  it  appear  that  the  work  was  received  with  more 
than  ordinary  favor  from  the  conductors  of  the  religious 
and  periodical  press.  I  cannot  be  mistaken  in  the  fact, 
that  the  great  body  of  active  christians  engaged  in  the 
temperance  cause  out  of  the  city,  were  not  only  interested 
in  the  subject,  but  approved  the  pamphlet  as  eminently 
calculated  to  do  good.  But  its  reception  among  leading 
men  in  New-York  city  was  such,  at  the  same  time,  as  to 
leave  no  manner  of  room  to  doubt  that  the  author  would 
be  prevented,  by  every  means  in  their  power,  from  prose- 
cuting the  work  he  had  commenced.  A  very  prominent 
member  of  one  of  the  first  churches  in  the  city  remon- 
strated with  me  for  having  commended  the  work,  and  de- 
clared it  ought  not  to  be  circulated  among  the  people.  He 
proceeded  to  assign  his  reasons  at  some  length.  I  then 
opened  the  pamphlet,  and  pointed  him  to  the  extracts  from 
the  writings  of  Solomon,  with  which  it  was  commenced. 


417 

I  put  it  to  his  candor  to  say  whether  the  objections  he  had 
made  would  not  apply  with  as  much  force  and  propriety 
to  these  extracts  as  to  any  other  part  of  the  book?  The 
question  perplexed  him.  I  insisted  on  an  answer,  and 
after  a  long  pause  he  very  deliberately  acknowledged  that 
they  would  !  "  And,"  said  he,  with  an  emphasis  and  an 
energy  1  shall  never  forget,  "  I  should  prefer  that  those 
portions  of  the  Bible  should  never  be  perused  by  the  fe- 
male members  of  my  family."  And  this  was  from  a  gen- 
tleman of  high  literary  attainments,  and  great  influence 
in  the  church. 

3.  A  similar  train  of  remarks  might  be  made  respect- 
ing the  first  appearance  and  subsequent  continuance  of 
M'' Do  wall's  Journal.  No  periodical,  perhaps,  was  ever 
more  popular  with  the  plain  working  class  of  christians, 
both  in  city  and  country,  particularly  the  latter.  The 
funds  sent  in  for  its  support,  and  the  letters  received  from 
every  quarter,  bear  witness  to  the  fact.  But  the  opposition 
the  same  publication  received  from  leading  and  influential 
ministers  and  laymen  in  the  city  of  New-York,  was  such 
as  to  render  it  certain  that  no  measures  would  be  left  un- 
tried to  cripple  and  prevent  its  circulation.  If  any  evidence 
is  needed  on  this  point,  it  may  be  found  in  the  statement 
X)f  the  Rev.  Dr.  M'Auley  before  the  Synod,  which  re 
Tersed  the  proceedings  of  the  third  Presbytery. 

4.  The  indictment  of  the  Journal  by  the  Grand  Jury, 
and  the  position  taken  by  the  New- York  Observer,  are 
irrefragable  facts  going  to  establish  the  same  point.  Lead- 
ing members  of  the  jury  were  members  and  officers  of 
churches.  The  Observer  was  the  favorite  organ  of  the 
principal  ministers  in  the  city.  The  ground  openly  avowed 
by  the  editor  of  the  Observer,  in  defence  of  the  indictment 
of  the  Grand  Jury,  was,  that  the  civil  magistrates  ought  to 
prevent  the  circulation  of  the  Journal  I  The  Governor  of 
South  Carolina  is  generally  credited  with  having  made 
the  first  public  demand  that  freedom  of  speech  and  of  the 


418  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

press,  as  guaranteed  by  our  constitutions  and  bills  of 
rights,  should  be  authoritatively  annihilated  in  the  north- 
ern states.  But  it  is  a  mistake.  The  precedent  was  first 
furnished  by  the  opposers  of  M' Do  wall  in  New-York.  A 
public  journal,  of  unusual  popularity  with  the  country  peo- 
ple, was  to  be  put  down  by  the  strong  arm  of  the  civil  law  ! 
This  was  the  same  principle  afterwards  maintained  by  a 
distinguished  civilian  of  Massachusetts  on  another  sub- 
ject, when  he  recommended  that  "the  village  and  country 
inhabitants"  should  be  prevented,  by  "penal  enactments," 
from  listening  to  the  public  discourses  of  those  whose 
teachings  did  not  accord  with  the  tone  of  public  sentiment 
in  Boston ! 


INFERENCES  FROM  THESE  FACTS.      ' 

These  facts  have  been  alluded  to  in  this  place,  because  I 
consider  them  as  furnishing  the  only  key  to  the  intricacies 
of  the  contest  in  which  M'Dowall  was  involved,  in  the  lat- 
ter part  of  his  career.  There  was  scarcely  any  end  to 
the  alleged  grounds  of  complaint  against  him,  which 
were  successively  urged  and  abandoned :  the  real  and 
original  difficulty  was  generally  kept  out  of  sight.  In  view 
of  the  facts  to  which  I  have  referred,  (and  they  are  facts 
which  no  one,  I  think,  will  undertake  to  dispute,)  the 
never-ceasing  opposition  carried  on  through  the  instru- 
mentality of  the  Female  Benevolent  Society  and  the 
Third  Presbytery,  is  a  problem  easily  solved.  There  was 
evidently  a  fixed  and  settled  determination  with  the  higher 
influences  in  the  church  to  silence  the  publications  of  Rev. 
J.  R.  M'Dowall  at  all  hazards.  On  the  admission  of  this 
fact,  the  whole  process  is  easily  understood  :  without  it, 
no  man  can  give  a  rational  account,  or  assign  a  satisfactory 
reason  or  motive,  for  proceedings  so  absurd  and  self-con- 
tradictory.   I  would  not  be  understood  as  attributing  to 


REV.    JOHN    R,    m'dOWALL.  419 

these  men  any  worse  nriotives  than  other  great  and  good 
men  have  more  openly  avowed,  when  they  have  claimed 
and  exercised  the  prerogative  of  judging  and  deciding  for 
their  christian  brethren  what  sentiments  they  may  pro- 
mulgate, and,  for  the  community,  of  which  they  are  mem- 
bers, what  books  they  may  read.  They  may  verily  think 
they  do  God  service,  but  the  public  ought  to  understand 
and  judge  of  their  claims.  Nor  do  I  forget,  that  far  other 
objects  and  aims  may  have  influenced  a  large  number  of 
those  who  were  made  instrumental  in  the  persecutions  of 
M' Do  wall.  The  intentions  of  some  may  have  been  good. 
Of  the  object  of  those  who  were  induced  to  raise  a  conten- 
tion about  funds,  the  readers  of  this  book  will  have  an  op- 
portunity to  judge.  I  have  always  feared  that  those  funds 
were  a  temptation  which  blinded  the  eyes  of  many,  who 
thought  they  saw  in  them  the  means  of  doing  good,  and 
sincerely  thought  they  were  likely  to  be  expended  in  a 
manner  which  would  produce  evil.  Under  such  circum- 
stances they  might  easily  persuade  themselves  that  they 
had  the  best  claim  to  their  use;  and  the  more  so,  when 
their  claims  were  sustained  by  those  eminent  men  and  re- 
vered teachers  whose  opinions  they  were  accustomed  to 
regard  as  authority.  It  is  with  this  latter  class,  I  appre- 
hend, that  the  original  and  principal  ground  of  opposition 
existed  ;  and  this  ground  was,  very  plainly,  nothing  more 
nor  less  than  hostility  to  the  publications  and  labors  of 
M'Dowall;  an  opposition  so  deep  rooted  and  intense,  that 
nothing  short  of  his  deposition  from  the  ministry,  the 
silencing  of  his  voice,  and  the  discontinuance  of  his  writ- 
ings, could  allay,  appease,  or  satisfy  them.  The  whole 
history  accords  with  this  statement.  They  asked  for  his 
funds.  For  the  sake  of  peace,  he  yielded  them.  They 
next  assailed  his  character.  In  this  they  persevered,  un- 
til, in  the  last  resort,  he  was  compelled  to  vindicate  it  in 
the  public  prints.  Very  few,  at  the  present  time,  will 
venture  to  deny  that  he  did  it  fully  and  successfully.    But 


420  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

for  the  crime  of  doing  it,  he  was  arraigned,  and  deposed!^ 
Such  a  chain  of  facts  will  always  tell  their  own  story. 
Posterity  will  need  nothing  else  to  give  them  an  insight 
into  the  whole  mystery  of  transactions  which  now  puzzle 
men  on  the  spot,  only  because  they  stand  so  near,  and 
among  the  confused,  and  complicated,  and  noisy  machinery, 
that  they  do  not  discover  distinctly  the  relative  position, 
proportion,  and  motion  of  the  main-spring  that  moves  the 
whole. 

DEFECTS  OF  m'dOWALL. THE  ISSUE. 

I  have  been  drawn  into  the  discussion  of  this  topic  fur- 
ther than  I  had  intended.  M'Dov/all  has  gone  to  his 
rest,  and  his  works  do  follow  him.  The  spirit  of  forgive- 
ness which  he  exhibited,  should  be  cherished  by  his  sur- 
viving friends  ;  and  the  more  so,  as  the  signs  of  the  times 
seem  to  indicate  that  they  will  be  called  upon  to  share  in 
his  sufferings,  if  they  are  faithful  to  follow  in  his  footsteps. 
There  is  a  time  for  the  boldness  of  rebuke;  and  there  is 
a  time  for  the  meekness  of  submission.  The  Savior 
pronounced  the  severest  woes  at  one  time  ;  but,  in  the 
final  contest,  w^hen  his  warnings  could  no  longer  do  good, 
he  was  as  the  sheep  before  his  shearers,  and  opened  not 
his  mouth. 

The  friends  of  M'Dowall,  if  they  follow  his  dying  ad- 
vice, and  "  Read  the  Bible  through,"  will  not  contend 
that  any  mere  man  on  earth  has  ever  been  without  faults. 
They  will  be  expected  to  mention,  impartially,  what  they 
conceive  to  have  been  his.     I  shall  endeavor  to   do  so. 

*  The  injustice,  absurdity,  and  cruelty  of  this  treatment  will  more 
fully  appear  when  it  is  distinctly  understood  that  the  withdrawal  of 
support  and  funds  occasioned  by  the  first  part  of  t!ie  process,  was 
such  as  lo  render  it  impracticable  Tor  Mr.  M'Dowall  to  publish  his 
defence  in  a  Journal  of  his  own  ;  and  that,  fur  various  reasons,  not 
one  of  the  Religious  Journals  would  publisli  it  for  !  im.  And  then 
it  was  made  an  oflence  in  M'Dowall  that  he  publis'ied  his  defence  ia 
the  penny  papers  of  the  city. 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL.  421 

A.S  a  Reformer,  he  labored,  I.  think,  under  one  serious 
defect  which,  unfitted  him,  in  some  degree,  for  the  rude, 
rough  times  upon  which  he  was  cast.  To  "have  been 
qualified  fully  for  the  contest  in  which  he  engaged — to 
have  grappled  successfully  with  the  giant  influences  by 
which  he  was  opposed,  and  whose  skillful  and  unyielding 
hostility  he  should  have  foreseen  ;  M' Do  wall  must  have 
partook  less  than  he  did  of  the  texture  of  the  weeping  and 
beseeching  Melancthon :  niore  of  the  spirit  and  determi* 
nation  of  the  thundering  and  self-vindicating  Luther.  He 
must  have  met  his  enemies  on  the  threshold,  and  contended 
with  them,  inch  by  inch,  without  parley,  and  without  com- 
promise. But  the  excessive  mildness  and  tenderness  of 
his  spirit  forbade  this.  His  friends,  some  of  them  at  least, 
saw  this  defect,  and  forewarned  him  of  the  issue.  He 
was  not  the  man  to  avail  himself,  in  season,  of  these  friend- 
ly suggestions.  His  enemies  understood  this,  and  counted 
on  it,  in  their  plans  for  his  defeat.  To  this  backwardness 
of  excessive  and  misplaced  forbearance  on  his  part,  they 
owe  all  their  unrighteous  successes.  He  should  have 
stood  firm  against  their  first  attempt  at  encroachment.  He 
should  have  refused  to  purchase  peace  by  submitting  to 
arrangements  and  settlements  which  were  afterwards  un- 
fairly construed  into  admissions  of  the  justice  of  their 
claims.  Instead  of  scarcely  standing  on  the  defensive,  he 
should  have  carried  the  war  into  their  own  camp,  and 
crippled  their  unholy  influence  by  a  full  and  early  expose 
of  the  facts  which  he  afterwards  stated  in  his  published 
Defence.  In  not  doing  this  he  erred,  and  erred  greatly. 
And  this  early  error,  it  may  be,  occasioned  later  and 
somewhat  different  errors.  It  was  certainly  the  occasion 
of  placing  him  in  circumstances  of  perplexity,  and  peril, 
and  provocation,  in  which,  it  is  said,  he  once  or  twice 
**  spake  unadvisedly  with  his  lips."  The  meekest  of  men 
are  liable  to  do  this ;  and  the  temperament  which  indisposes 
men  to  contend,  at  the  same  time  unfits  them  for  the  com- 
36 


42S  MEMOIR    OF    THE 

bat  into  which  the  excess  of  their  forbearance  is  well  cal- 
culated to  plunge  them.  There  is  reason  to  suspect  that 
it  may  have  been  thus  with  M'DowalJ.  He  certainly  was 
never  adapted,  by  his  physical  constitution,  to  mingle  in 
that  strife  of  tongues  which  overtook  him  at  the  last,  not- 
withstanding his  laborious  and  anxious  flight.  And  the 
full  pack  came  pouncing  and  roaring  upon  him,  at  a  time 
when  his  energies  were  exhausted,  and  when,  like  the 
feeble  and  hunted  hare,  he  could  only  utter  an  unmelodious 
groan  of  agony,  and  expire.  It  is  alleged  that  some  of  his 
complainings  grated  harshly  on  the  polite  ears  of  his  pur- 
suers ;  and,  on  the  failure  of  every  other  ground  of  accu- 
sation, these  complainings  are  now  made  the  justifications 
of  the  chase!  He  should  have  "writhed  with  graceful- 
ness— he  should  have  groaned  with  melody  !" 

The  contest  was  an  unequal  one.  It  wa?  not  to  be 
expected  that  his  delicately  attuned  nervous  system  could 
sustain  the  shock  without  spasmodic  contortions  and  invo- 
luntary shrieks.  The  rugged  station  was  unbefitting  a 
M'Dowall.  It  was  as  though  a  Howard  had  been  sum- 
moned to  storm  the  Vatican.  It  was  like  placing  a  Law- 
rence Sterne  upon  the  war  horse  of  a  Napoleon.  It  was 
the  lamenting  Jeremiah  compelled  to  snatch  down  his  harp 
from  the  willows  and  wield  it  as  the  spear  of  Ithuriel ! 

HE    HAS    NOT    LIVED    IN    VAIN. 

Thus  fell  the  martyred  M'Dowall.  And  yet  it  was 
superhuman — an  unearthly  wisdom,  that  assigned  him  the 
very  station  he  occupied.  The  children  sitting  in  the 
market-places  may  now  say,  "  We  have  piped  unto  you  and 
ye  have  not  danced ;  we  have  mourned  unto  you,  and  ye 
have  not  wept."  John  the  Baptist,  from  the  wilderness, 
with  the  severity  of  scorching  reproof  upon  his  lips,  has 
visited  the  generation  in  which  we  live,  and  they  have 
said,  "  He  hath  a  devil ;"    he  is  censorious,  and  vitupera- 


REV.    JOHN    R.    m'dOWALL,  423 

live,  and  unchristian.  The  beloved  disciple  has  also 
visited  them,  meek,  mild,  timid,  gentle,  and  forbearing, 
and  they  have  trampled  him  to  death  under  their  feet.  But 
Wisdom  is  justified  of  her  children,  and  the  varied  quali- 
ties of  the  messengers  of  Divine  Truth  are  well  adapted  to 
call  out  and  try  the  human  heart,  in  all  its  intricate  folds 
and  windings. 

M'Dowall  has  not  lived  in  vain.  His  memory  and  his 
example  will  live  when  all  earthly  glory  shall  be  forgotten. 
The  Providence  that  raised  him  up,  and  guided  him, 
intended  that  coming  generations  should  be  instructed  by 
his  story.  As  it  is  impossible  to  exhibit  such  a  man  with- 
out relating  his  persecutions,  we  may  be  rationally  assured 
that  the  relation  of  them  will  prove  as  salutary  as  the  simi- 
lar records  of  former  times.  M'Dowall  has  not  lived  in 
vain ;  because,  among  other  things,  his  history  shows  to 
what  a  pass  the  nominal  Christianity  and  Protestantism  of 
the  nineteenth  century  in  America  had  arrived,  before  the 
dawn  of  that  bright  era  when  Christians  shall  "read  the 
Bible  through  ;"  read  it  for  themselves ;  read  it  to  learn 
what  God  hath  spoken  ;  read  it  to  forsake  the  rudiments  of 
men  ;  read  it  to  be  perfectly  joined  together  in  the  same 
mind  and  judgment ;  read  it  to  be  gathered  into  one  fold 
under  one  Shepherd ;  read  it  to  abjure  the  usurped  authority 
of  those  who  love  to  have  the  pre-eminence  and  lord  it 
over  God's  heritage  ;  read  it  to  proclaim  the  whole  counsel 
of  God,  whether  men  will  hear,  or  whether  they  will  for- 
bear ;  read  it  to  judge  for  themselves  of  the  teachers  who 
profess  to  be  sent  of  God,  and  to  know  them  by  their  fruits 
read  it  to  learn  that  the  seventh  commandment  of  the  deca- 
logue is  yet  unrepealed,  and  that  ministers  who  persist  in 
urging  with  plainness  and  pungency  its  high  claims, 
though  despised  and  thrust  out  of  the  ministry  by  men,  may 
yet  remain  the  approved  and  commissioned  messengers  of 
the  Most  High  God. 

The  morning  of  that  glorious  day,  it  is  believed,  will  ere 


424       MEMOIR    OF    THE    REV.    JOHN    R.    iM'DOWALLo 

long  break  over  this  dark  world  of  impurity,  of  oppression, 
of  arrogancy,  of  usurpation,  of  persecution,  and  of  sin. 
The  Martyr  of  the  seventh  commandment  in  the  nineteenth 
century  will  be  remembered  then.  Blessed  is  he  that 
watcheth  and  keepeth  his  garments,  lest  he  walk  naked, 
and  men  see  his  shame. 


THK    ENID. 


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